Mannanase variants

ABSTRACT

A mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, a poly-nucleotide encoding mannanase, an expression construct comprising the polynucleotide, and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the expression construct.

This invention relates to variants of mannanase enzyme. The variants are useful in industrial applications wherein degradation or modification of mannan is desired, such as in laundry and cleaning applications, in feed, food, pulp and paper and oil industry. The invention also provides useful mannanases enzymes, polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, enzyme compositions and methods for their production and use.

The main role of hemicelluloses and galactomannans is to function as structural polysaccharide and/or as reserve energy. Besides amylose and amylopectin which are the most widespread storage polysaccharides in plants, there is a diverse group of mannan-based polysaccharides found in seeds, roots, bulbs and tubers of various plants. These include mannans, galactomannans and glucomannans.

Mannans are polysaccharides with a backbone of β-1,4-linked D-mannopyranosyl residues. In most cases the mannans are highly insoluble in water but have high water binding capacity. In contrast to unsubstituted mannans, the galactomannans are water soluble. Due to the complex structural composition of the plant cell wall, microorganisms thriving on decaying plant material must possess a number of different enzymes that are able to hydrolyse these highly polymeric and mostly insoluble materials. The two major endo-acting enzymes involved in degradation of hemicelluloses are beta-mannanase and beta-xylanase. In addition, the exo-acting enzymes beta-mannosidase, alpha-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase are needed for complete degradation of galactoglucomannan.

The main enzyme type participating in the degradation of mannan backbones are endo-1,4-beta-mannanases (EC 3.2.1.78), which hydrolyze the internal glycoside bonds in the mannan backbone. Endo-1,4-β-mannanases (EC 3.2.1.78) are mannan-degrading enzymes which may be called endo-β-1,4-D-mannanase, β-mannanase, or mannanase herein. Since endo-1,4-beta-mannanases (EC 3.2.1.78) degrade the mannan-backbone, mannan-degradation includes the degradation of mannans, galactomannans and/or glucomannans.

The use of mannanase enzymes is widespread in food and feed applications, the detergent, and the pulp and paper industry:

-   -   The use of mannanase enzymes as feed additives has been shown to         provide several beneficial effects since mannan is a         contributing factor to viscosity of gut contents and it thereby         adversely affects the feed digestibility and animal growth rate.     -   In the food industry mannanase enzymes are described for the use         in the production of instant coffee where the enzyme reduces the         viscosity of the coffee extracts due to hydrolysis of the coffee         mannan. Further, mannanases are used to produce specific         manno-oligomers that are of interest as functional food         ingredients such as manno-oligomers with a prebiotic         functionality. In such applications plant derived manno-polymers         are subjected to hydrolysis by mannanases.     -   It is common to use mannanases in the processing and         manufacturing fruit juice because it lowers viscosity and         improves filtration rate, stability and helps to extract fruit         components.     -   Detergent use: mannanases facilitate the removal of food and         cosmetic derived stains/soils that often comprise mannan         containing additives like stabilizers, emulsifiers and         thickeners. In a more specific cleaning application mannanases         are applied to remove biofilms from surfaces or tubings that         need to be free from microbials like pharmaceutical equipment.         In this application mannanases are often used in combination         with detergents and other enzymes like carbohydrases and         proteases.     -   Pulp and paper: mannanases are used in the enzyme-aided         bleaching of paper pulp. Mannanases are said to complement the         action of xylananses.     -   Mannanases are applied in the process of oil and gas well         stimulation by hydraulic fracturing. Mannanases reduce viscosity         of a guar solution that is applied in the process.     -   Mannanases are used in the controlled release of drugs or other         material from matrices that are composed of cross-linked         galactomannans.

Activity under application conditions is a critical parameter for many industrially applied enzymes, since these enzymes often tend to be insufficiently active under application conditions. Therefore, it was an objective of the present invention to find mannanase variants with improved performance especially after storage of the same over a certain period of time.

The mannanase variants of the invention are advantageous in having good stability and mannanase activity. Further, the mannanase variants of the invention may provide improved yield in production and better performance in use.

There is a continuous need for enzymes that perform in the harsh environment of detergent formulations. Mannanases are useful components of washing and/or cleaning formulations since mannanases remove part of hemicellulose comprising stains.

Mannan-comprising stains or mannan-containing stains herein comprise at least one mannan, at least one galactomannan and/or at least one glucomannan and in one embodiment, further constituents such as cellulose and/or hemicellulose. Further, such stains may comprise proteinaceous material, starch and/or sugars. Galactomannans usually consist of a mannose backbone with galactose side groups. Herein, galactomannans include galactomannans having the following mannose to galactose ratio: fenugreek gum about 1:1, guar gum about 2:1, tara gum about 3:1, locust bean gum or carob gum about 4:1, cassia gum about 5:1, wherein the ratio is mannose:galactose. Galactomannans are often used in food and cosmetic products to increase the viscosity of a liquid product.

Insufficient removal of these types of stains usually resulting in fabric graying. Hence, it was a further objective of the invention to find mannan degrading enzymes, catalytically active in formulations containing surfactants and having a pH in the range of 5-12, preferably in the range of 6-11, more preferably selected from the ranges of 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5.

The invention provides mannanase variants improved in-surfactant-stability.

In one aspect, the present invention provides mannanases having mannan degrading activity at a pH in the range of 5-12 or 6-11, more preferably a pH in the range of 6-10 or 7-12 or 7-9 or 8-12 or 8-10, and most preferably at a pH in the range of 7.5-8.5. The mannanases of the invention are at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably at least 75% identical to a sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2 equals SEQ ID NO: 3. The mannanases of the invention in one embodiment are at least 75% identical to a sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2 equals SEQ ID NO: 4.

In one aspect, the invention provides polynucleotide sequences encoding mannanase variants according to the invention.

In one aspect, the invention provides a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence of the invention.

In one aspect, the invention provides a recombinant host cell comprising the polynucleotide of the invention of the invention which enables the host cell to express at least one recombinant mannanase variant according to the invention.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of expressing a polynucleotide, comprising the steps of

-   (a) providing a host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid     construct comprising a poly-nucleotide encoding a mannanase variant     according to the invention by introducing the nucleic acid construct     comprising the polynucleotide encoding the mannanase variant     according to the invention into the host cell; -   (b) cultivating the recombinant host cell of step (a) under     conditions conductive for the expression of the polynucleotide; and -   (c) optionally, recovering a protein of interest encoded by the     polynucleotide.

In one aspect of the invention, the mannanase variants according to the invention are provided within an enzyme preparation that allows to be flexibly formulated into liquid formulations such as liquid detergent formulations with either one type of enzymes or mixtures of enzymes. “Formulated into” means that an enzyme preparation is added to a liquid formulation.

The enzyme preparation may further comprise other enzyme(s) selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, xylanases, mannanases, cutinases, esterases, phytases, DNAses, pectinases, pectate lyases, pectinolytic enzymes, carbohydrases, arabinases, galactanases, xanthanases, xyloglucanases, laccases, peroxidases and oxidases with, as well as suitable additives selected from the group consisting of compounds stabilizing the enzymes comprised such as enzyme stabilizers, and compounds stabilizing the preparation such as preservatives.

In one aspect, the invention at hand provides a formulation preferably having a pH in the range of 5-12, preferably in the range of 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5 comprising a mannanase variant according to the invention. Preferably, the formulation is a liquid formulation comprising at least one component selected from surfactants, builders, and hydrotropes is present in amounts effective in maintaining the physical characteristics of the liquid formulation and/or effective in cleaning. In one embodiment, the formulation is a detergent formulation.

The detergent formulation comprising at least one mannanase variant according to the invention is advantageous in that it is removing mannan containing stains.

Sequences

The sequences used herein are as follows

SEQ ID NO: 1 polynucleotide sequence encoding the parent mannanase according to SEQ ID NO: 2: atgtcaatta ttaagaaagt tccattaata tttctatgtc tcctaatgtt tgctacttct ctatttattt ttaagcctga ggtaaaagca gcaactggct tttatgtaaa cggaaacact ctgtacgatg caacaggtag cccgtttgtt atgaggggaa ttaaccatgc tcattcttgg tttaaagatg attcttctac agcaatccct gctatagcga agacaggggc taatactatt agaatcgtcc tatctgatgg aagccagtat acaaaagatg atattaatac agtaaaaagt cttatatcct tagctgagaa gaataacctt attgc-tattt tagaggtgca tgatgccaca ggaaacgatg ctgttagctc gttaaacgat gctgttagct attggattag tattaaagag gctcttattg gaaaagaaga tagggtctta attaatattg ccaatgaatg gtatggtact tgggatggtg caagttgggc aagtggctat aaacaggcta ttccaaagtt aagagatgct ggactcagcc atacattaat tgtagattcc gcaggttggg gacaatatcc agagtctatc catcaatatg gtaaagatgt atttaatgct gatccactaa aaaatacaat gttttctatt cat-atgtatg aatatgctgg gggggatgct tccactatta aatcaaatat tgacggagta ctgaatcagg atcttgcatt aattattggt gaatttggac ataaacatac gaatggagat gttgatgagg aaacaattat gagttactca cagcagaaga atgttggttg gttagcttgg tettggaaag gtaatggccc cgagtggagt tatttagact tatcaaatga ttgggctgga gataatttaa cctcgtgggg taatacaatt gtaaatggag ctaatggttt aaaagctact tctaaaataa gtccagtatt tgatggagga gatcatcctg gtggttcagg tggaactgaa aatactttgt ataatttcga aaccgaaaca caaagctgga gtggtggaaa tgtaatggct ggaccctggt caacgaatga gtgggcatca aaagacaact attctttaaa agctgatgtt caattaaaca ataattccca gcattattta tctttaactc aaaaccaaaa tttcagtggg aaatctcaac taaaggcaac tgtaaagcac gctgattggg gaaatctagg gaatggaatt aatgcacagt tatatgtgaa aacagggtca gattggaaat ggtttgatgg tga-gagtgta gaaattaatt cctccaatgg aactatttta actttagatt tatcatccat ctccgattta aatgacatta aagagattgg cgtgcagttt atgggctctt cgaaaagcag tggtcaaaca gctgtatacg tgacaacgt aacaattcaa taa SEQ ID NO: 2 parent mannanase (490AA including signal sequence) in its one-letter code: MSIIKKVPLIFLCLLMFATSLFIFKPEVKAATGFYVNGNTLYDA TGSPFVMRGIN-HAHSWFKDDSSTAIPAIAKTGANTIRIVLSDG SQYTKDDINTVKSLISLAEKNNLI-AILEVHDATGNDAV SSLNDAVSYWISIKEAL1GKED-RVLINIANEWYGTWDG ASWASGYKQAIPKLRDAGLSHTLIVDSAGWGQYPESIHQYGKDV F-NADPLKNTMFSIHMYEYAGGDASTIKSNIDGVLNQDLALIIG EFGHKHTNGDVDEETIM-SYSQQKNVGWLAWSWKGNGPEWSYLD LSNDWAGDNLTSWGN-TIVNGANGLKATSKISPVFDGGDHPGGS GGTENTLYNFETETQSWSGGNVMAG-PWSTNEWASKDNYSLKAD VQLNNNSQHYLSLTQNQNFSGKSQLKATVKHADWGN-LGNGINA QLYVKTGSDWKWFDGESVEINSSNGTILT-LDLSSISDLNDIKE IGVQFMGSSKSSGQTAVYVDNVTIQ SEQ ID NO: 3 is the mature parent mannanase including linker and CBD (carbohydrate do- main). Here it is shown in its one-letter code: ATGFYVNGNTLYDATGSPFVMRGINHAHSWF KDDSSTAIPAIA KTGANTIRI-VLSDGSQYTKDDINTVKSLISLAEKNNLIAILEV HDATGNDAVSSLNDAVSYWISIKEA-LIGKEDRVLINIANEWYG TWDGASWASGYKQAIPKLRDAGLSHTLIVDSAG-WGQYPESIHQ YGKDVFNADPLKNTMFSIHMYEYAGGDASTIKSNIDGVLNQDLA LI-IGEFGHKHTNGDVDEETIMSYSQQKNVGWLAWSWKGNGPEW SYLDLSNDWAG-DNLTSWGNTIVNGANGLKATSKISPVFDGGDH PGGSGGTENTLYNFETETQSWSGGNVMAG-PWSTNEWASKDNYS LKADVQLNNNSQHYLSLTQNQNFSGKSQLKATVKHADWGN-LGN GINAQLYVKTGSDWKWFDGESVEINSSNGTILT-LDLSSISDLN DIKEIGVQFMGSSKSSGQTAVYVDNVTIQ SEQ ID NO: 4 mature parent mannanase without linker and CBD (carbohydrate domain) in its one-letter code: ATGFYVNGNTLYDATGSPFVMRGINHAHSWFKDDSSTAIPAIAK TGANTIRI-VLSDGSQYTKDDINTVKSLISLAEKNNLIAILEVH DATGNDAVSSLNDAVSYWISIKEA-LIGKEDRVLINIANEWYGT WDGASWASGYKQAIPKLRDAGLSHTLIVDSAG-WGQYPESIHQY GKDVFNADPLKNTMFSIHMYEYAGGDASTIKSNIDGVLNQDLAL I-IGEFGHKHTNGDVDEETIMSYSQQKNVGWLAWSWKGNGPEWS YLDLSNDWAG-DNLTSWGNTIVNGANGLKATSKISPVF

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims, “a” or “an” can mean one or more (in the sense of “at least one”), depending upon the context in which it is used.

Further, it will be understood that the term “at least” means that the item or parameter to which the term refers is limited in one direction but open ended in one or more other directions.

As used in the following, the terms “have”, “comprise”, “contain” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present.

Features introduced by “in one embodiment” or similar expressions are intended to be additional or alternative features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other additional or alternative or non-additional or alternative features of the invention. The term “may” preferably herein encompasses embodiments.

The term “about” as used herein means that with respect to any number recited after said term an interval accuracy exists within in which a technical effect can be achieved. Accordingly, about as referred to herein, preferably, refers to the precise numerical value or a range around said precise numerical value of ±15%, preferably ±10%, more preferably ±5%, or even more preferably ±3%.

Generally, “enzymes” are catalytically active proteins or polypeptides acting on substrates and converting these into products. This reaction may be called enzymatic conversion herein which typically takes place at the “active site” of an enzyme. Enzymes exerting enzymatic conversion are enzymatically active or have enzymatic activity. Any polypeptide called “enzyme” herein means polypeptides being catalytically active.

The mannanase variants according to the invention have mannan degrading activity and are of the enzyme class EC 3.2.1.78. In one embodiment, mannan degrading activity corresponds to degradation of at least one galactomannan. Preferably, at least one galactomannan is characterized by the ratio mannose:galactose of about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, and/or 5:1.

Mannan degrading activity or mannanase activity may be tested according to standard test procedures known in the art. For example: a mannanase to be tested may be applied to 4 mm diameter holes punched out in agar plates comprising 0.2% AZCL galactomannan (carob), i.e. substrate for the assay of endo-1,4-beta-D-mannanase. Carob is e.g. available as I-AZGMA from the company Megazyme (Megazyme's Internet address: http://www.megazyme.com/Purchase/index.html). Mannan degrading activity may be tested in a liquid assay using carob galactomannan dyed with Remazol Brilliant Blue as described in McCleary, B. V. (1978). Carbohydrate Research, 67(1), 213-221. Another method for testing mannan degrading activity uses detection of reducing sugars when incubated with substrate such as guar gum or locust bean gum—for reference see Miller, G. L. Use of Dinitrosalicylic Acid Reagent for Determination of Reducing Sugars. Analytical Chemistry 1959; 31: 426-428.

Enzymes are polypeptides which are usually identified by polypeptide sequences (also called amino acid sequences herein). Polypeptide sequences are usually identified by a SEQ ID NO. which is provided according to the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) Standard ST.25 (1998) in the sequence listing accompanying this disclosure, meaning the amino acids herein are represented using three-letter code with the first letter as a capital or the corresponding one letter.

A polypeptide is usually encoded by a polynucleotide. The polynucleotide usually is identified by a polynucleotide sequence and by a SEQ ID NO. which is provided according to the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) Standard ST.25 (1998) in the sequence listing accompanying this disclosure.

A “parent” polypeptide amino acid sequence is the starting sequence for introduction of mutations (e.g. by introducing one or more amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, or a combination thereof) to the sequence, resulting in “variants” of the parent polypeptide amino acid sequences. A parent includes: A wild-type polypeptide amino acid sequence or synthetically generated polypeptide amino acid sequence that is used as starting sequence for introduction of (further) changes.

The parent polypeptides for the mannanase variants of this invention may have a polypeptide sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In one aspect of the invention the parent polypeptide has a sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2 equals SEQ ID NO: 3. In another aspect of the invention the parent polypeptide has a sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2 equals SEQ ID NO: 4.

A “variant polypeptide” refers to an enzyme that differs from its parent in its amino acid sequence.

Variant polypeptide sequences may be defined by their “sequence identity” when compared to a parent sequence. An enzyme or polypeptide “at least x % identical to SEQ ID NO:X” means an enzyme or polypeptide having a polypeptide sequence which is x % identical when compared to the polypeptide sequence according to SEQ ID NO:X, wherein SEQ ID NO:X means the sequences according to the invention. In one embodiment, SEQ ID NO:X is selected from SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4.

A polynucleotide “at least y % identical to SEQ ID NO:Y” means a polynucleotide having a poly-nucleotide sequence which is y % identical when compared to the polynucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID NO:Y, which corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

Sequence identity usually is provided as “% sequence identity” or “% identity”. For calculation of sequence identities, in a first step a sequence alignment has to be produced.

According to the invention, the alignment is generated by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. (1979) 48, p. 443-453). Preferably, the program “NEEDLE” (The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite (EMBOSS)) is used for the purposes of the current invention, with using the programs default parameter (polynucleotides: gap open=10.0, gap extend=0.5 and matrix=EDNAFULL; polypeptides: gap open=10.0, gap extend=0.5 and matrix=EBLOSUM62).

After aligning two sequences, in a second step, an identity value is determined from the alignment produced.

In one embodiment, the %-identity is calculated by dividing the number of identical residues by the length of the alignment region which is showing the respective sequence of this invention over its complete length multiplied with 100: %-identity=(identical residues/length of the alignment region which is showing the respective sequence of this invention over its complete length)*100.

Polypeptide According to Invention

A polypeptide of the invention is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. In one aspect of the invention, the mannanase variant according to the invention is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to the sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or according to SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, a mannanase variant according to the invention is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to the sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

The mannanase variants may further comprise one or more conservative substitutions, meaning that one amino acid is substituted with a similar amino acid. Similar amino acids according to the invention are defined as follows:

-   -   amino acid A is similar to amino acids S; amino acid D is         similar to amino acids E and N; amino acid E is similar to amino         acids D, K, and Q; amino acid F is similar to amino acids W and         Y; amino acid H is similar to amino acids N and Y; amino acid I         is similar to amino acids L, M, and V; amino acid K is similar         to amino acids E, Q, and R; amino acid L is similar to amino         acids I, M, and V; amino acid M is similar to amino acids I, L,         and V; amino acid N is similar to amino acids D, H, and S; amino         acid Q is similar to amino acids E, K, and R; amino acid R is         similar to amino acids K and Q; amino acid S is similar to amino         acids A, N, and T; amino acid T is similar to amino acids S;         amino acid V is similar to amino acids I, L, and M; amino acid W         is similar to amino acids F and Y; amino acid Y is similar to         amino acids F, H, and W.

A mannanase variant according to the invention is a “mature polypeptide” meaning an enzyme in its final form including any post-translational modifications, glycosylation, phosphorylation, truncation, N-terminal modifications, C-terminal modifications, signal sequence deletion. A mature polypeptide can vary depending upon the expression system, vector, promoter, and/or production process. The mature mannanase variant according to the invention may be at least 75% identical to the sequence according to positions 31-490 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or may be at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3. The mature mannanase variant according to the invention may be at least 75% identical to the sequence according to positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4.

The invention, in one aspect, provides a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317 and A319, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Preferably, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, A112, A119, A124, S127, N129, S235, S281, G286, W289, N312 and A319, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

The invention, in one aspect, provides a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124D/E/C, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L, S235Y/H/R, D244N, E264Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296Y/H, D301T/E/C, T309L, N312Y/F and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124D/C, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235Y/H/R, D244N, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N296H, D301T/E, N312Y and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328, G329, G330, D331, Y344, M359, Y374, L416 and W432, preferably selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. More preferably, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328I/Q, G329T, G330P, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y, Y374G/V/A7 and W432N/L/R/S.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V/L,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T and A319D,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L, S235Y, D244N,         W289M, S290A, N296Y, D301T, N312Y and A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V/L,         S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R,         E264Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H, D301E/C, T309L and         N312F,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, A124D, S126E, S235Y, D244N, W289M, D301T, N312Y and         A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R,         S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H and D301E,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, A124D, W289M, N312Y and A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         A112N, A119Y, A124C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A         and W289F/H,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328, G329, G330, D331, Y344, M359, Y374, L416 and W432, preferably selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. More preferably, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 (additionally) comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328I/Q, G329T, G330P, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y, Y374G/V/A7 and W432N/L/R/S. In one embodiment, at least of these amino acid substitutions is in addition to those disclosed above.

The invention provides a polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317, A319, D328, G329, G330, D331, N341, Y344, F346, T348, E349, S352, G356, M359, Y374, D379, L416, and W432, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, N341F, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/D/G, S352N/G, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, L416W, and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V, L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H, E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, A319D, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V, G330P/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348R/N/M, E349T/D, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P, A319E, G329T, G330D, D331A/Q, N341F,         T348S/G, E349S/G, S352N/G, and L416W, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, A319D, D328I/Q/V,         G329L/S/V, G330P/T, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348R/N/M, E349T/D,         G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V,         W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and     -   wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein         the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317, A319, and D328I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V, L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H, E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, and A319D, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T and A319D,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

The polypeptide molecules at least 75% identical to the sequence according to positions 31-490 or positions 31-327 of SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising substitutions as disclosed above are called “mannanase variants according to the invention”.

In one aspect of the invention, a mannanase variant according to the invention, comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D, V358I, S370A, Q423K, D459N, N461S, V482L. The mannanase variants according to the invention may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, the mannanase variants according to the invention comprise one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variants according to the invention, comprise one or more amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A360G, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, F398L, K433T, E438G, I449T, K475N, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, E438G, K475N. The mannanase variants according to the invention may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D. Preferably, the mannanase variants according to the invention comprise one or more amino acid substitutions selected from A360G and I449T, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variants according to the invention comprise one or more “conserved amino acid regions” within their polypeptide sequence. “Conserved amino acid regions” herein are characterized in a number of consecutive amino acids being not mutated, wherein the number of consecutive amino acids is 3-10, 4-10, 5 to 10, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. One or more conserved amino acid regions may be selected from G76-A77-N78-T79, R81-V83-L84, E115-V116-H117-D118, Y134-W135-I136, A154-N155-E156-W157, A191-G192-W193-G194-Q195, F218-S219-I220-H221-M222-Y223-E224-Y225-A226-G227, N236-I237-D238, I249-G250-E251-F252-G253, G259-D260-V261-D262-E263, and G276-W277-L278-A279-W280, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, mannanase variants according to the invention have mannan degrading activity within a formulation having a pH in the range of 5-12, preferably in the range of 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5.

In one aspect of the invention, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is improved when compared to the parent enzyme.

Improved in-surfactant-stability means that the remaining mannan degrading activity after a certain period of time at a specific temperature is increased when compared to the parent enzyme. “A certain period of time” may mean up to 6 days or even longer. “Specific temperature” may mean 37° C. In-surfactant-stability may be determined in the presence of at least one anionic and/or at least one non-ionic surfactant.

In one embodiment, at least one anionic surfactant is selected from compounds according to general formula (I) as disclosed herein and from compounds according to general formula (II) as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, at least one non-ionic surfactant is selected from compounds according to general formula (III) as disclosed herein.

A mannanase variant according to the invention may be a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4 having one or more amino acid substitutions at a position selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, 124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314P, L317, A319, D328, G329, G330, D331, Y344, M359, Y374, L416, and W432, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the mannanase variant has improved “in-surfactant-stability” when compared to a parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 having one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W, and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 having two or more amino acid substitution selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W, and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 having

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V,         N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S281L,         G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y, A319E and W432P, in combination         with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from D86N,         Q89V, L101T, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A119H/T, N122S,         A124E/C, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y,         D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T,         N274E/C/Q, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F, A314P,         L317T, A319E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q,         Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W, and         W432N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I         wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one aspect of the invention, the mannanase variants having improved in-surfactant-stability which have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 as disclosed above comprise at least one further amino acid substitution selected from N341F, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/G/D, S352N/G, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, and D379V. Such mannanase variants may have advantageous characteristics in terms of being stable to degradation during their production process.

Stable to degradation during production herein means that the fermentations stability of a mannanase variant according to the invention is at least 1.5-fold, at least 1.6-fold, at least 2-fold when compared to the parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, stable to degradation during production means stability when expressed in bacterial host cell, preferably Bacillus host cell, more preferably in Bacillus subtilis host cell.

In one embodiment, stable to degradation during production means stability at a fermentation temperature in the range of 35° C. to 45° C., preferably at a temperature of 37° C.

In one aspect of the invention, the mannanase variants disclosed above which have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise at least one conservative amino acid substitution at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, and V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D, V358I, S370A, Q423K, D459N, N461S, V482L. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability, comprise one or more amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A360G, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, F398L, K433T, E438G, I449T, K475N, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, E438G, K475N. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D. Preferably, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise one or more amino acid substitutions selected from A360G and I449T, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 having one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 having two or more amino acid substitution selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 having

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V,         N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S281L,         G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y, and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from D86N,         Q89V, L101T, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A119H/T, N122S,         A124E/C, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y,         D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T,         N274E/C/Q, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F, A314P,         L317T, and A319E,         wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one aspect of the invention, the mannanase variants disclosed above which have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise at least one conservative amino acid substitution at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability, comprise one or more amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D. The mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D.

In one embodiment, the mannanase variants according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability comprise one or more conserved amino acid regions within their polypeptide sequence. Conserved amino acid regions herein are characterized in a number of consecutive amino acids being not mutated, wherein the number of consecutive amino acids is 3-10, 4-10, 5 to 10, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. One or more conserved amino acid regions may be selected from G76-A77-N78-T79, R81-V83-L84, E115-V116-H117-D118, Y134-W135-I136, A154-N155-E156-W157, A191-G192-W193-G194-Q195, F218-S219-I220-H221-M222-Y223-E224-Y225-A226-G227, N236-I237-D238, I249-G250-E251-F252-G253, G259-D260-V261-D262-E263, and G276-W277-L278-A279-W280, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Polynucleotide

The invention relates to polynucleotides encoding mannanase variants according to the invention. A polynucleotide of the invention encodes a polypeptide at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one aspect of the invention, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4. The polynucleotide of the invention may have a sequence at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1.

The invention, in one aspect, provides a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317, and A319, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Preferably, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprising one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, A112, A119, A124, S127, N129, S235, S281, G286, W289, N312, and A319, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124D/E/C, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L, S235Y/H/R, D244N, E264Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296Y/H, D301T/E/C, T309L, N312Y/F and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124D/C, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235Y/H/R, D244N, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N296H, D301T/E, N312Y and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and which comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328, G329, G330, D331, Y344, M359, Y374, L416 and W432, preferably selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. More preferably, the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 (additionally) comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328I/Q, G329T, G330P, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y, Y374G/V/A7 and W432N/L/R/S.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V/L,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T and A319D,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L, S235Y, D244N,         W289M, S290A, N296Y, D301T, N312Y and A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V/L,         S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R,         E264Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H, D301E/C, T309L, and         N312F     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, A124D, S126E, S235Y, D244N, W289M, D301T, N312Y and         A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R,         S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H and D301E     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and which comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, A124D, W289M, N312Y and A319E in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         A112N, A119Y, A124C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A         and W289F/H     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has         mannan-degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 which comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328, G329, G330, D331, Y344, M359, Y374, L416 and W432, preferably selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. More preferably, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 which comprises at least one more amino acid substitutions selected from D328I/Q, G329T, G330P, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y, Y374G/V/A7 and W432N/L/R/S, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

A polynucleotide according to the invention encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317, A319, D328I, G329, G330, D331, N341, Y344, F346, T348, E349, S352, G356, M359, Y374, D379, L416, and W432, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

A polynucleotide according to the invention encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, N341F, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/D/G, S352N/G, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V, L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H, E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, A319D, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V, G330P/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348R/N/M, E349T/D, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P, A319E, G329T, G330D, D331A/Q, N341F,         T348S/G, E349S/G, S352N/G, and L416W in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, A319D, D328I/Q/V,         G329L/S/V, G330P/T, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348R/N/M, E349T/D,         G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, and         W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86, Q89, N96, L101, S103, K107, N108, N109, A112, A119, N122, A124, S126, S127, N129, S231, 1233, S235, D244, H254, K255, E264, S270, Q272, K273, N274, S281, G286, W289, S290, N296, D301, T309, N312, A314, L317, and A319, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.

A polynucleotide according to the invention encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V, L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H, E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H, N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, and A319D, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 comprises

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N,         N96D, L101V, S103E/A, N122S, A124D, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V,         S235Y, D244N, K255R, S270T, K273T, N274Q, W289M, S290A, N296Y,         D301T, N312Y, A314P, and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from Q89V,         L101T, S103Y, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C,         S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/L/Q/N, D244I/V, H254W, K255Y/H,         E264Q/V, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/H,         N296H/F, D301E/C, T309L, N312F, L317T, and A319D,     -   wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one aspect of the invention, a polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention, encodes one or more conservative amino acid amino acid substitutions at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D, V358I, S370A, Q423K, D459N, N461S, V482L. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention may comprise combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention encodes one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention, encodes one or more amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A360G, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, F398L, K433T, E438G, I449T, K475N, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, E438G, K475N. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D. Preferably, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention encodes one or more amino acid substitutions selected from A360G and I449T, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention encodes one or more conserved amino acid regions within their polypeptide sequence. Conserved amino acid regions herein are characterized in a number of consecutive amino acids being not mutated, wherein the number of consecutive amino acids is 3-10, 4-10, 5 to 10, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. One or more conserved amino acid regions may be selected from G76-A77-N78-T79, R81-V83-L84, E115-V116-H117-D118, Y134-W135-I136, A154-N155-E156-W157, A191-G192-W193-G194-Q195, F218-S219-I220-H221-M222-Y223-E224-Y225-A226-G227, N236-I237-D238, I249-G250-E251-F252-G253, G259-D260-V261-D262-E263, and G276-W277-L278-A279-W280, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the polypeptide is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the mannanase is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and comprises two or more amino acid substitution selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W, W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the mannanase is a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 comprising

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V,         N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S281L,         G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y, A319E and W432P, in combination         with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from D86N,         Q89V, L101T, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A119H/T, N122S,         A124E/C, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y,         D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T,         N274E/C/Q, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F, A314P,         L317T, A319E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q,         Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and         W432N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I         wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one aspect of the invention, the polynucleotides encoding mannanase variants having improved in-surfactant-stability which have a sequence at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 as disclosed above encodes at least one further amino acid substitution selected from N341F, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/G/D, S352N/G, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, and D379V.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability further encodes one or more conservative amino acid substitutions at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D, V358I, S370A, Q423K, D459N, N461S, V482L. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability further encodes one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, N345D, V358I, S370A, N383S, N384S, Q423K, F435Y, D459N, N461S, I463V, V482L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the inventions having improved in-surfactant-stability encodes one or more further amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A360G, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, F398L, K433T, E438G, I449T, K475N, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, H332D, G335D, A365V, D372G, Q381N, S391Y, E438G, K475N. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D. Preferably, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability encodes one or two amino acid substitutions selected from A360G and I449T, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the mannanase is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the mannanase is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 having two or more amino acid substitutions selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant having improved in-surfactant-stability, wherein the mannanase is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 having

-   -   (a) one or more amino acid substitutions selected from Q89V,         N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S281L,         G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y and A319E, in combination with     -   (b) at least one amino acid substitution selected from D86N,         Q89V, L101T, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A119H/T, N122S,         A124E/C, S126E, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y,         D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T,         N274E/C/Q, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F, A314P,         L317T and A319E,         wherein amino acid substitutions as defined under (b) are not         present when at a corresponding position as defined in (a) a         substitution is present, and wherein the numbering is according         to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability further encodes one or more conservative amino acid substitutions at the following positions: T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, N258D, I323L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, T91S, K99R, S100N, V125I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, N258D. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from T32S, N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, K99R, S100N, V125I, L150I, D179N, S183N, Y196F, D206E, D229N, I323L. Preferably, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability further encodes one or more conservative amino acid substitutions selected from N37S, F61Y, I80V, Y90W, T91S, L150I, D229N, N258D, I323L, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability encodes one or more further amino acid substitutions at the following positions: N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D, wherein the mannanase variant is at least 75% identical to the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of amino acid substitutions selected from S133D, S168D, A173V, Q202N, S305D. The polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability may encode combinations of substitutions selected from N39T, T45N, D64Q, S133D, E140S, S168D.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a mannanase variant according to the invention having improved in-surfactant-stability comprising one or more conserved amino acid regions characterized in consecutive amino acids being not mutated, wherein the number of consecutive amino acids is 3-10, 4-10, 5 to 10, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. One or more conserved amino acid regions may be selected from G76-A77-N78-T79, R81-V83-L84, E115-V116-H117-D118, Y134-W135-I136, A154-N155-E156-W157, A191-G192-W193-G194-Q195, F218-S219-I220-H221-M222-Y223-E224-Y225-A226-G227, N236-I237-D238, I249-G250-E251-F252-G253, G259-D260-V261-D262-E263, and G276-W277-L278-A279-W280, and wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Method to Improve In-Surfactant-Stability

The invention, in one aspect, relates to a method to increase in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P/S, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

The increase of in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase variant of the invention relates to an increase in storage-stability after storage at 37° C. for up to 6 days when compared to the in-surfactant-stability of the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, a mannanase variant of the invention has a polypeptide sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO 3 comprises at least one amino acid substitution selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I.

The invention, in one aspect, relates to a method to increase in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P/S, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

The invention, in one aspect, relates to a method to increase in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4, by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P/S, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E, K107N, N108G, N109Q, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/Y, D244N, H254W, K255Y/H, E264Q/V, S270T, K273T, N274Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, A314P/S, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 10% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E, N108G, N109Q, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/Y, D244N, K255Y, E264Q/V, K273T, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/T, G330P/D/T, D331A, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y/C, Y374G/V/A/R/N, L416W and W432N/L/R/S/T/G/H within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 20% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101V, S103Y/E, N108G, N109Q, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P, I233V, S235H/R/L/Y, D244N, K255Y, E264Q/V, K273T, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I/Q, G329T, G330P, Y344Q/F, M359R/Y, Y374G/V/A and W432N/L/R/S within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 30% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L, S235H/R/Y, D244N, E264Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y, and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I, G329T, Y374G and W432N/L/R within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 40% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q, S235H/R/Y, D244N, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N296H, D301E/C/T, N312F/Y, and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I, G329T, Y374G and W432R within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 50% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, S103Y, A112N, A119Y/H/T, A124C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/R/Y, D244N, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N296H, D301E/T, N312F/Y, and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I, Y374G and W432R within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 60% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y/H, A124C/D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H/Y, D244N, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N296H, D301T, N312F/Y, and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D328I and W432R within a sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 70% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

In one embodiment, the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4 is increased by the steps of introducing one or more amino acid substitutions at an amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101V, A112N, A119Y, A124C/D, S127A, N129M/L/F, S235H, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, N312Y, and A319E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferably, the in-surfactant-stability of the mannanase variant is increased by at least about 80% when compared to the respective parent enzyme.

Production of Mannanase

The present invention refers to a method of producing a mannanase variant according to the invention, comprising the steps of

-   (a) providing a host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid     construct comprising a poly-nucleotide encoding the mannanase     variant according to the invention by introducing the nucleic acid     construct comprising the polynucleotide encoding the mannanase     variant according to the invention into the host cell; -   (b) cultivating the recombinant host cell of step (a) under     conditions conductive for the expression of the polynucleotide; and -   (c) optionally, recovering a protein of interest encoded by the     polynucleotide.

The present invention also refers to a method of expressing a mannanase variant according to the invention, comprising the steps of

-   -   (a) providing a host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid         construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase         variant according to the invention by introducing the nucleic         acid construct comprising the polynucleotide encoding the         mannanase variant according to the invention into the host cell;     -   (b) cultivating the recombinant host cell of step (a) under         conditions conductive for the expression of the polynucleotide;         and     -   (c) optionally, recovering a protein of interest encoded by the         polynucleotide.

A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide may be “expressed”. The term “expression” or “gene expression” means the transcription of a specific gene or specific genes or specific nucleic acid construct. The term “expression” or “gene expression” in particular means the transcription of a gene or genes or genetic construct into structural RNA (e.g., rRNA, tRNA) or mRNA with or without subsequent translation of the latter into a protein. The process includes transcription of DNA and processing of the resulting mRNA product.

Nucleic acid construct herein means a nucleic acid molecule, either single- or double-stranded which is isolated from a naturally occurring gene or is modified to contain segments of nucleic acids in a manner that would not otherwise exist in nature or which is synthetic, which comprises one or more control sequences. The term “control sequences” means nucleic acid sequences necessary for expression of a polynucleotide encoding a mannanase of the present invention. Each control sequence may be native or foreign to the polynucleotide encoding the variant or native or foreign to each other. Such control sequences include, but are not limited to, a leader, polyadenylation sequence, pro-peptide sequence, promoter, signal peptide sequence, and transcription terminator. At a minimum, the control sequences include a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The control sequences may be provided with linkers for the purpose of introducing specific restriction sites facilitating ligation of the control sequences with the coding region of the polynucleotide encoding a variant.

Industrial production of enzymes usually is done by using expression systems. “Expression system” may mean a host microorganism, expression hosts, host cell, production organism, or production strain and each of these terms can be used interchangeably. In one embodiment, the expression host is selected from the group consisting of: a bacterial expression system, a yeast expression system, a fungal expression system, and a synthetic expression system. The expression host may be a wildtype cell or a recombinant cell, preferably it is a recombinant cell. “Wild-type cells” herein means cells prior to a certain modification. The term “recombinant cell” (also called “genetically modified cell” herein) refers to a cell which has been genetically altered, modified or engineered such it that exhibits an altered, modified or different genotype as compared to the wild-type cell which it was derived from. The “recombinant cell” may comprise an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a certain protein or enzyme and therefore may express said protein or enzyme.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a recombinant host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase as described herein. The host cell may be any cell useful in the recombinant production of a variant including prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Examples of expression hosts include but are not limited to: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Hansenula polymorpha, Thermomyces lanuginosus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium heterosporum, Escherichia coli, Bacillus, preferably selected from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas, preferably Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pichia pastoris (also known as Komagataella phaffii), Myceliopthora thermophila (C1), Themothelomyces thermophilus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Trichoderma, preferably Trichoderma reesei, and Saccharomyces, preferably Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mannanase variant according to the invention may be produced using host cell originating from the microorganisms listed above.

In one embodiment, the bacterial expression system is selected from E. coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces. In one embodiment, the yeast expression system is selected from Candida, Pichia, Saccharomyces, and Schizosaccharomyces. In one embodiment, the fungal expression system is selected from Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Myceliopthora, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus, Thermomyces, and Trichoderma.

Preferably, the recombinant host cell of the invention is a Gram-positive bacteria including but not limited to, Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Geobacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Streptomyces. More preferably, the host cell is a Bacillus cell, more preferably selected from the group of Bacillus alkalophius, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus jautus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis. Most preferred, the Bacillus cell is selected from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus lentus. In one embodiment, the Bacillus cell is a Bacillus subtilis cell.

The invention provides a fermentation method for producing a fermentation product, comprising the steps of

-   a) providing a recombinant host cell according to the invention, and -   b) cultivating the recombinant host cell under conditions allowing     for the expression of poly-nucleotide encoding a mannanase of the     invention.

The term “heterologous” (or exogenous or foreign or recombinant) in the context of polynucleotides and polypeptides is defined herein as:

-   (a) not native to the host cell; or -   (b) native to the host cell but structural modifications, e.g.,     deletions, substitutions, and/or insertions, are included as a     result of manipulation of the DNA of the host cell by recombinant     DNA techniques to alter the native sequence; or -   (c) native to the host cell but expression is quantitatively altered     or expression is directed from a genomic location different from the     native host cell as a result of manipulation of the DNA of the host     cell by recombinant DNA techniques, e.g., a stronger promoter.

Preferably, “heterologous” herein means “not native to the host cell”.

The invention in one aspect relates to a host cell, preferably a Bacillus host cell, expressing a polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4 comprising amino acid substitutions as disclosed above.

In one embodiment, the host cell expresses a polynucleotide encoding a mannanase variant at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 having amino acid substitutions in one or more of the positions selected from N341F, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/G/D, S352N/G, G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, and D379V, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a genetic construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase of the invention. “Genetic Construct” or “expression cassette” or “expression construct” as used herein, is a DNA molecule composed of at least one polynucleotide sequence of the invention to be expressed, operably linked to one or more control sequences (at least to a promoter) as described herein. Typically, the expression cassette comprises three elements: a promoter sequence, an open reading frame, and a 3′ untranslated region that, in eukaryotes, usually contains a polyadenylation site.

Additional regulatory elements may include transcriptional as well as translational enhancers. An intron sequence may also be added to the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) or in the coding sequence to increase the amount of the mature message that accumulates in the cytosol. The expression cassette may be part of a vector or may be integrated into the genome of a host cell and replicated together with the genome of its host cell. The expression cassette usually is capable of increasing or decreasing expression.

Examples of suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention in a bacterial host cell are the promoters obtained from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene (amyQ), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyl), Bacillus licheniformis penicillase gene (penP), Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase gene (amyM), Bacillus subtilis levansucrase gene (sacB), Bacillus subtilis xylA and xylB genes, Bacillus thurigiensis cryIIIA gene (Agaisse and Lereclus, 1994, Molecular Biology 13: 97-107), E. coli lac operon, E. coli trc promoter (Egon et at 1988, Gene 69: 301-315), Streptomyces coelicolor agarose gene (dagA), and prokaryotic beta-lactamase gene (Villa-Kamaroff et al 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 75: 3727-3731), as well as tac promoter (DaBoer et al 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 80: 21-25. Further useful promoters are described in “Useful proteins from recombinant bacteria” in Gilbert et al 1980, Scientific American 242: 74-94; and in Sambrook, J. et al. 1989, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.

The term “vector” as used herein comprises any kind of construct suitable to carry foreign poly-nucleotide sequences for transfer to another cell, or for stable or transient expression within a given cell. The term “vector” as used herein encompasses any kind of cloning vehicles, such as but not limited to plasmids, phagemids, viral vectors (e.g., phages), bacteriophage, baculoviruses, cosmids, fosmids, artificial chromosomes, or and any other vectors specific for specific hosts of interest. Low copy number or high copy number vectors are also included. Foreign polynucleotide sequences usually comprise a coding sequence which may be referred to herein as “gene of interest”. The gene of interest may comprise introns and exons, depending on the kind of origin or destination of host cell.

A vector as used herein may provide segments for transcription and translation of a foreign polynucleotide upon transformation into a host cell or host cell organelles. Such additional segments may include regulatory nucleotide sequences, one or more origins of replication that is required for its maintenance and/or replication in a specific cell type, one or more selectable markers, a polyadenylation signal, a suitable site for the insertion of foreign coding sequences such as a multiple cloning site etc. One example is when a vector is required to be maintained in a bacterial cell as an episomal genetic element (e.g. plasmid or cosmid molecule). Non-limiting examples of suitable origins of replication include the f1-ori and colE1. A vector may either replicate without integrating into the genome of a host cell, e.g. as a plasmid in a bacterial host cell, or integrate part or all of its DNA into the genome of the host cell and thus lead to replication and expression of its DNA.

Foreign nucleic acid may be introduced into a vector by means of cloning. Cloning may mean that by cleavage of the vector (e.g. within the multiple cloning site) and the foreign polynucleotide by suitable means and methods (e.g., restriction enzymes), fitting structures within the individual nucleic acids may be created that enable the controlled fusion of said foreign nucleic acid and the vector. Once introduced into the vector, the foreign nucleic acid comprising a coding sequence is introduced (transformed, transduced, transfected, etc.) into a host cell or host cell organelles. A cloning vector may be chosen suitable for expression of the foreign polynucleotide sequence in the host cell or host cell organelles.

The term “introduction” or “transformation” as referred to herein encompasses the transfer of an exogenous polynucleotide into a host cell, irrespective of the method used for transfer. That is, the term “transformation” as used herein is independent from vector, shuttle system, or host cell, and it not only relates to the polynucleotide transfer method of transformation as known in the art (cf., for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), but it encompasses any further kind polynucleotide transfer methods such as, but not limited to, transduction or transfection. Plant tissue capable of subsequent clonal propagation, whether by organogenesis or embryogenesis, may be transformed with a genetic construct and a whole plant regenerated therefrom. The particular tissue chosen will vary depending on the clonal propagation systems available for, and best suited to, the particular species being transformed. In one embodiment of the invention, a vector is used for transformation of a host cell.

The polynucleotide of the invention may be transiently or stably introduced into a host cell, preferably a Bacillus host cell, and may be maintained non-integrated, for example, as a plasmid. “Stable transformation” means that the transformed cell or cell organelle passes the nucleic acid comprising the foreign coding sequence on to the next generations of the cell or cell organelles. Usually stable transformation is due to integration of nucleic acid comprising a foreign coding sequence into the chromosomes or as an episome (separate piece of nuclear DNA). “Transient transformation” means that the cell or cell organelle once transformed expresses the foreign nucleic acid sequence for a certain time—mostly within one generation. Usually transient transformation is due to nucleic acid comprising a foreign nucleic add sequence is not integrated into the chromosomes or as an episome. Alternatively, it is integrated into the host genome.

Enzymes are usually produced as a liquid concentrate, frequently derived from a fermentation broth. “Liquid enzyme concentrate” herein means any liquid enzyme-comprising product comprising at least one enzyme. “Liquid” in the context of enzyme concentrate is related to the physical appearance at 20° C. and 101.3 kPa.

The liquid enzyme concentrate may result from dissolution of solid enzyme in solvent. The solvent may be selected from water and an organic solvent. A liquid enzyme concentrate resulting from dissolution of solid enzyme in solvent may comprise amounts of enzyme up to the saturation concentration.

Dissolution herein means, that solid compounds are liquified by contact with at least one solvent. Dissolution means complete dissolution of a solid compound until the saturation concentration is achieved in a specified solvent, wherein no phase-separation occurs.

In one aspect of the invention, the enzyme concentrate may be essentially free of water, meaning that no significant amounts of water are present. Non-significant amounts of water herein means, that the enzyme concentrate according to the invention comprises less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 7%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% by weight water, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme concentrate, or no water. In one embodiment, enzyme concentrate free of water means that the enzyme concentrate does not comprise significant amounts of water but does comprise organic solvents in amounts of about 10% to 90% by weight, 20% to 85% by weight, 30 to 80% by weight, 40% to 75% by weight, 50% to 70% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme concentrate.

Liquid enzyme concentrates comprising water may be called “aqueous enzyme concentrates”. In one embodiment, “aqueous enzyme concentrates” are enzyme-comprising solutions, wherein solid enzyme product has been dissolved in water. In one embodiment “aqueous enzyme concentrate” means enzyme-comprising products resulting from enzyme production by fermentation.

Fermentation means the process of cultivating recombinant cells which express the desired enzyme in a suitable nutrient medium allowing the recombinant host cells to grow and express the desired protein. At the end of the fermentation, fermentation broth usually is collected and further processed, wherein the fermentation broth comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. Depending on whether the enzyme has been secreted into the liquid fraction or not, the desired protein or enzyme may be recovered from the liquid fraction of the fermentation broth or from cell lysates. Recovery of the desired enzyme uses methods known to those skilled in the art. Suitable methods for recovery of proteins or enzymes from fermentation broth include but are not limited to collection, centrifugation, filtration, extraction, and precipitation.

Aqueous enzyme concentrates resulting from fermentation may comprise amounts of enzyme in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, or 0.5% to 30% by weight, or 1% to 25% by weight, or 3% to 25% by weight, or 5% to 25% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme concentrate.

Aqueous enzyme concentrates resulting from fermentation usually comprise water in amounts of more than about 50% by weight, more than about 60% by weight, more than about 70% by weight, or more than about 80% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme concentrate. Aqueous enzyme concentrates resulting from fermentation, in one embodiment comprise water in amounts in the range of about 50% to 80% by weight, or about 60% to 70% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme concentrate. Aqueous enzyme concentrates which result from fermentation, may comprise residual components such as salts originating from the fermentation medium, cell debris originating from the production host cells, metabolites produced by the production host cells during fermentation. In one embodiment, residual components may be comprised in liquid (aqueous) enzyme concentrates (resulting from fermentation) in amounts less than 30% by weight, less than 20% by weight less, than 10% by weight, or less than 5% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the aqueous enzyme concentrate.

Enzymes tend to lose enzymatic activity if remaining in an aqueous environment and so it is conventional practice to convert it to an anhydrous form: aqueous concentrates may be lyophilized or spray-dried e.g. in the presence of a carrier material to form aggregates. Usually, solid enzyme products need to be “dissolved” prior to use. To stabilize enzymes in liquid products enzyme inhibitors may be employed, preferably reversible enzyme inhibitors, to inhibit enzyme activity temporarily until the enzyme inhibitor is released.

Enzyme Preparation

An enzyme preparation of the invention is preferably liquid. “Liquid” in the context of enzyme preparation is related to the physical appearance at 20° C. and 101.3 kPa.

The enzyme preparation of the invention comprises a liquid enzyme concentrate comprising at least one mannanase variant according to the invention. An enzyme preparation of the invention comprises only components effective in stabilizing the enzyme preparation or the enzyme comprised therein, e.g. selected from at least one enzyme stabilizer, at least one compound stabilizing the liquid enzyme preparation as such, and at least one solvent.

In one aspect, the invention provides a liquid enzyme preparation comprising a mannanase variant according to the invention which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably a mannanase at least 75% identical to a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3, at least one compound stabilizing the liquid enzyme preparation as such, at least one solvent, and optionally at least one enzyme stabilizer.

Liquid enzyme preparations of the invention are preferably free from surfactants. Free from surfactants means, that less than about 15% by weight surfactants are comprised in enzyme preparations relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation. Surfactants in the context of enzyme preparations herein means total amount of surfactant.

Preferably, free from surfactants means, that less than about 10% by weight, less than about 7% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, or less than about 1% by weight surfactants are comprised in enzyme preparations relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation.

In one embodiment, free from surfactants means, that no actively added surfactants are comprised in enzyme preparations of the invention. This means that enzyme preparations of the invention may comprise surfactants which result from the fermentation process from which the enzyme concentrate originates (as a by-product).

Liquid enzyme preparations of the invention are preferably free from complexing agents. Free from complexing agents means, that less than about 15% by weight complexing agents are comprised in liquid enzyme preparations relative to the total weight of the liquid enzyme preparation. Complexing agents in the context of liquid enzyme preparations of the invention means total amount of complexing agents.

Preferably, free from complexing agents means, that less than about 10% by weight, less than about 7% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, or less than about 1% by weight complexing agents are comprised in enzyme preparations relative to the total weight of the liquid enzyme preparation.

In one embodiment, free from complexing agents means, that no actively added complexing agents are comprised in enzyme preparations of the invention. This means that enzyme preparations of the invention may comprise complexing agents which result from the fermentation process from which the enzyme concentrate originates (as a by-product).

In one embodiment, liquid enzyme preparations of the invention are free from surfactants and free from complexing agents.

Compounds Stabilizing the Liquid Enzyme Preparation as Such

Compounds stabilizing the liquid enzyme preparation as such means any compound except enzyme stabilizers needed to establish storage stability of a liquid preparation in amounts effective to ensure the storage stability.

Storage stability in the context of liquid preparations to those skilled in the art usually includes aspects of appearance of the product and uniformity of dosage.

Appearance of the product is influenced by the pH of the product and by the presence of compounds such as preservatives, antioxidants, viscosity modifiers, emulsifiers etc.

Uniformity of dosage is usually related to the homogeneity of a product.

Inventive enzyme preparations may be alkaline or exhibit a neutral or slightly acidic pH value. The enzyme preparation may have a pH in the range of 5-12, preferably in the range of 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5.

The liquid enzyme preparation of the invention may comprise at least one preservative. Preservatives are added in amounts effective in preventing microbial contamination of the liquid enzyme preparation, preferably the aqueous enzyme preparation. At least one preservative may be selected from:

-   Benzylhemiformal, synonym: (Benzyloxy)methanol (CAS No. 14548-60-8); -   (Ethylenedioxy)dimethanol, synonyms: Dascocide 9;     (ethylenedioxy)dimethanol (reaction products of ethylene glycol with     paraformaldehyde (EGForm)) (CAS. No. 3586-55-8);     .alpha.,.alpha.′,.alpha.″-trimethyl-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5(2H,4H,6H)-triethanol,     synonyms: Tris(N-hydroxypropyl) hexahydrotriazine,     hexahydro-1,3-5-tris(2-hydroxypropyl)-s-triazine (HPT, CAS No.     25254-50-6); -   2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA, CAS No. 10222-01-2); -   2,2′-dithiobis[N-methylbenzamide] (DTBMA, CAS No. 2527-58-4); -   2-bromo-2-(bromomethyl)pentanedinitrile (DBDCB, CAS No. 35691-65-7); -   2-Butanone, peroxide, synonym: 2-butanone-peroxide (CAS No.     1338-23-4); -   2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT, CAS No. 4299-07-4); -   2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, CAS No 2682-20-4); -   2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (01T, CAS No. 26530-20-1); -   5-Chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CIT, CMIT, CAS No.     26172-55-4); -   Mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CMIT, EINECS     247-500-7) and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, EINECS 220-239-6)     (Mixture of CMIT/MIT, CAS No. 55965-84-9); -   1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT, CAS No. 2634-33-5); -   3,3′-methylenebis[5-methyloxazolidine] (Oxazolidin/MBO, CAS No.     66204-44-2); -   4,4-dimethyloxazolidine (CAS No. 51200-87-4); -   7a-ethyldihydro-1H,3H,5H-oxazolo[3,4-c]oxazole (EDHO, CAS No.     7747-35-5); -   Benzyl Alcohol (CAS No. 100-51-6); -   Biphenyl-2-ol (CAS No. 90-43-7); -   Biphenyl-2-01, and its salts, o-phenylphenol, MEA-o-phenylphenate,     potassium phenylphenate, sodium phenylphenate; -   Sodium 2-biphenylate (CAS No. 132-27-4); -   cis-1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride (cis     CTAC, CAS No. 51229-78-8); -   Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC, CAS No. 68424-95-3 and CAS     No. 7173-51-5); -   Dodecylguanidine monohydrochloride (CAS No 13590-97-1); -   Ethanol (CAS. No 64-17-5); -   n-propanol (1-propanol, CAS No. 71-23-8) -   Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (Sorbic acid, CAS No. 110-44-1) and its salts,     e.g. calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate -   Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate (Potassium Sorbate, CAS No.     24634-61-5); -   Hydrogen peroxide (CAS No. 7722-84-1); -   Lactic acid and its salts; -   L-(+)-lactic acid (CAS No. 79-33-4); -   2-methyl-1,2-benzothiazol-3(2H)-one (MBIT, CAS No. 2527-66-4); -   Methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride (CTAC, CAS No. 4080-31-3); -   Monochloramine generated from ammonium carbamate and a chlorine     source N,N′-methylenebismorpholine (MBM, CAS No. 5625-90-1); -   N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine (Diamine, CAS No.     2372-82-9); -   N-(trichloromethylthio)phthalimide (Folpet, CAS No. 133-07-3); -   p-[(diiodomethyl)sulphonyl]toluene (CAS No. 20018-09-1); -   Peracetic acid (CAS No. 79-21-0); -   polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB, CAS No     1802181-67-4), polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB, CAS     No. 27083-27-8), e.g. poly(iminoimidocarbonyl)iminohexamethylene     hydrochloride,     poly(iminocarbonimidoyliminocarbonimidoylimino-1,6-hexanediyl),     polyaminopropyl biguanide; -   Pyridine-2-thiol 1-oxide, sodium salt (Sodium pyrithione, CAS No.     3811-73-2); -   Pyrithione zinc (Zinc pyrithione, CAS No. 13463-41-7); -   Reaction mass of titanium dioxide and silver chloride, silver     chloride (CAS No. 7783-90-6); -   Sodium Azide (CAS No. 26628-22-8); -   Tetrahydro-1,3,4,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-d]imidazole-2,5     (1H,3H)-dione (TMAD, CAS No 5395-50-6); -   Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulphate (2:1) (THPS, CAS No.     55566-30-8); -   Salts of benzoic acid e.g. ammonium benzoate, calcium benzoate,     magnesium benzoate, MEA-benzoate, potassium benzoate; -   Esters of benzoic acid, e.g. butyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate,     isobutyl benzoate, isopropyl benzoate, methyl benzoate, phenyl     benzoate, propyl benzoate; -   Benzoic acid and its sodium salt (CAS No 65-85-0, CAS No. 532-32-1);     Propionic acid and its salts, e.g. ammonium propionate, calcium     propionate, magnesium propionate, potassium propionate, sodium     propionate; -   Salicylic acid and its salts, e.g. calcium salicylate, magnesium     salicylate, MEA salicylate, sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate,     TEA salicylate; -   Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites, e.g. sodium sulfite,     ammonium sulfite, ammonium bisulfite, potassium sulfite, potassium     hydrogene sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metasulfite, potassium     metasulfite, potassium metabisulfite; -   Chlorobutanol (CAS No 57-15-8); -   Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts e.g. butylparaben, sodium     butyl paraben, potassium butyl paraben; -   Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts, e.g. propyl paraben, sodium     propyl paraben, potassium propyl paraben; -   Isopropyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters; -   Isobutyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters; -   Benzyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters; -   Pentyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters; -   4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters, e.g. methyl paraben,     ethyl paraben, potassium ethyl paraben, potassium paraben, potassium     methyl paraben, sodium methyl paraben, sodium ethyl paraben, sodium     paraben, calcium paraben, calcium methyl paraben, calcium ethyl     paraben; -   3-Acetyl-6-methylpyran-2,4(3H)-dione and its salts, e.g.     dehydroacetic acid, sodium dehydroacetic acid (Cas Nos 520-45-6,     4418-26-2, 16807-48-0); -   3,3′-Dibromo-4,4′-hexamethylenedioxydibenzamidine and its salts     (including isethionate), e.g. dibromohexamidine isethionate (CAS No.     93856-83-8); -   Thiomersal (CAS No 54-64-8); -   Phenylmercuric salts (including borate), e.g. phenyl mercuric     acetate, phenyl mercuric benzoate (CAS Nos. 62-38-4 and 94-43-9); -   Undec-10-enoic acid and its salts, e.g. undecylenic acid, potassium     undecylenic acid, sodium undecylenic acid, calcium undecylenic acid,     MEA-undecylenic acid, TEA-undecylenic acid; -   5-Pyrimidinamine, 1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)hexahydro-5-methyl-, e.g.     hexetidine (CAS No. 141-94-6); -   1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea, e.g. triclocarban     (CAS No 101-20-2); -   Chlorocresol, e.g. p-chloro-m-cresol (CAS No. 59-50-7); -   Chloroxylenol (CAS Nos 88-04-0, 1321-23-9); -   N,N″-Methylenebis[N′-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl]urea],     synonym: imidazolidinyl urea (CAS No. 39236-46-9); -   Methenamine (CAS No. 100-97-0); -   Methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride, synonym: Quaternium 15 (CAS No     4080-31-3), -   1-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-1-(imidazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one,     synonym: Climbazole (CAS No 38083-17-9); -   1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione, synonym:     DMDM hydantoin (CAS No 6440-58-0); -   1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2 pyridon and its     monoethanolamine salt, e.g.     1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentenyl)-2-pyridon, piroctone     olamine (CAS Nos 50650-76-5, 68890-66-4); -   2,2′-Methylenebis(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol), synonym: bromochorophene     (CAS No 15435-29-7); -   4-Isopropyl-m-cresol, synonym: o-cymen-5-ol (CAS No 3228-02-2); -   2-Benzyl-4-chlorophenol, synonym: chlorophene (CAS No 120-32-1); -   2-Chloroacetamide (CAS No 79-07-2); -   N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediamidine     and its digluconate, diacetate and dihydrochloride, e.g.     chlorohexidine, chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorohexidine diacetate,     chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CAS Nos 55-56-1, 56-95-1, 18472-51-0,     3697-42-5); -   Alkyl (C12-C22) trimethyl ammonium bromide and chloride, e.g.     behentrimonium chloriode, cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride,     laurtrimonium bromide, laurtrimonium chloride, steartrimonium     bromide, steartrimonium chloride (CAS Nos 17301-53-0, 57-09-0,     112-02-7, 1119-94-4, 112-00-5, 1120-02-1, 112-03-8); -   4,4-Dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine (CAS No 51200-87-4); -   N-(Hydroxymethyl)-N-(dihydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxo-2,5-imidazolidinyl-4)-N′-(hydroxymethyl)urea,     synonym: diazolidinyl urea (CAS No 78491-02-8); -   Benzenecarboximidamide, 4,4′-(1,6-hexanediylbis(oxy))bis-, and its     salts (including isothionate and p-hydroxybenzoate), e.g.     hexamidine, hexamidine diisethionate, hexamidine paraben (CAS Nos     3811-75-4, 659-40-5, 93841-83-9); -   5-Ethyl-3,7-dioxa-1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, synonym:     7-ethylbicyclooxazolidine (CAS No 7747-35-5); -   3-(p-Chlorophenoxy)-propane-1,2-diol, synonym: chlorophenesin (CAS     No 104-29-0); -   Sodium hydroxymethylamino acetate, synonym: sodium     N-(hydroxymethyl)glycinate, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (CAS No     70161-44-3); -   Benzenemethanaminium,     N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-[2-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethyl]-,     chloride, synonym: benzethonium chloride CAS No 121-54-0); -   Benzalkonium chloride, bromide and saccharinate, e.g. benzalkonium     chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium saccharinate (CAS Nos     8001-54-5, 63449-41-2, 91080-29-4, 68989-01-5, 68424-85-1,     68391-01-5, 61789-71-7, 85409-22-9); -   Methanol, (phenylmethoxy), synonym: benzylhemiformal (CAS No     14548-60-8); -   3-Iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC, CAS No 55406-53-6) -   Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl (CAS No 60372-77-2); -   1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, monohydrate and     1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-silver(1+) salt,     monohydrate, INCI: citric acid (and) silver citrate; -   Tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadia-zine-2-thione (further names:     3,5-dimethyl-1,3-5-thiadiazinane-2-thione, Protectol® DZ, Protectol®     DZ P, Dazomet, CAS No. 533-74-4); -   2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (CAS-No. 1777-82-8, further names:     dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 2,4-dichloro-benzenemethanol,     (2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanol, DCBA, Protectol® DA); -   1-propanol (CAS-No. 71-23-8, further names: n-propanol, propan-1-ol,     n-propyl alcohol, Protectol® NP S); -   5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (CAS-No. 30007-47-7, further names:     5-bromo-5-nitro-m-dioxane, Bronidox®); -   2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (CAS-No. 52-51-7, further names:     2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, Bronopol®, Protectol® BN, Myacide     AS); -   Glutaraldehyde (CAS-No. 111-30-8, further names: 1-5-pentandial,     pentane-1,5-dial, glutaral, glutardialdehyde, Protectol® GA,     Protectol® GA 50, Myacide® GA); -   Glyoxal (CAS No. 107-22-2; further names: ethandial, oxylaldehyde,     1,2-ethandial, Protectol® GL); -   2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (CAS No. 3380-34-5,     further names: triclosan, Irgasan® DP 300, Irgacare® MP, TCS); -   4,4′-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (CAS-No. 3380-30-1), further     names: 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenoxy) phenol, Diclosan, DCPP, which is     commercially available as a solution of 30 wt % of 4,4′-dichloro     2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in 1,2 propyleneglycol under the trade name     Tinosan® HP 100 (BASF); -   2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS-no. 122-99-6, further names: Phenoxyethanol,     Methylphenylglycol, Phenoxetol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether,     Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Protectol® PE); -   Phenoxypropanol (CAS-No. 770-35-4, CAS No 4169-04-4, propylene     glycol phenyl ether, phenoxyisopropanol 1-phenoxy-2-propanol,     2-phenoxy-1-propanol); -   Glucoprotamine (CAS-No. 164907-72-6, chemical description: reaction     product of glutamic acid and alkylpropylenediamine, further names:     Glucoprotamine 50); -   Cyclohexyl hydroxyl diazenium-1-oxide, potassium salt (CAS No.     66603-10-9, further names: N-cyclohexyl-diazenium dioxide, Potassium     HDO, Xyligene, Protectol® KD); -   Formic acid (CAS-No. 64-18-6, further names: methanoic acid,     Protectol® FM, Protectol® FM 75, Protectol® FM 85, Protectol® FM 99,     Lutensol® FM) and its salts, e.g. sodium formiate (CAS No 141-53-7); -   Performic acid and its salts; -   anorganic silver complexes such as silver zeolites and silver glass     compounds (e.g. Irgaguard® B5000, Irgaguard® B6000, Irgaguard®     B7000) and others described in WO-A-99/18790, EP1041879B1; -   1,3,5-Tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazin (CAS-No.     4719-04-4, further names: Hexyhydrotriazine,     Tris(hydroethyl)-hexyhydrotriazin,     hexyhydro-1,3-5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine,     2,2′,2″-(hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-triyl)triethanol, Protectol®     HT);

One or more preservatives as disclosed above may be added to the enzyme preparation in a concentration of 0.0001 to 10% relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation.

Preferably, the enzyme preparation comprises 2-Phenoxyethanol in a concentration of 0.01% to 5%, more preferably 0.1% to 2% and/or 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol in a concentration of 5 ppm to 5000 ppm, more preferably 20 ppm to 1000 ppm and/or Glutaraldehyde in a concentration of 2 ppm to 5000 ppm, more preferably 10 ppm to 2000 ppm and/or formic acid (as an acid or its salt) in a concentration of 0.01% to 3%, more preferably 0.05% to 0.5% and/or 4,4′-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in a concentration of 0.001% to 1%, more preferably 0.002% to 0.6% (in all cases relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation).

In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme preparation is aqueous comprising 2-phenoxyethanol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Glutaraldehyde and/or formic acid (as an acid or its salt), in amounts as indicated above.

In one embodiment, liquid enzyme preparations of the invention are free from preservatives, meaning that preservatives are comprised in amounts less than 1 ppm. In one embodiment, “free from preservatives” means, that no actively added preservatives are comprised in enzyme preparations of the invention. This means that enzyme preparations may comprise preservatives which result from the fermentation process from which the enzyme concentrate originates (as a by-product).

The invention in one aspect pertains to a method of preserving an aqueous enzyme preparation according to the invention against microbial contamination or growth, which method comprises addition of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol, glutaraldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and formic acid in acid form or as its salt to an aqueous enzyme concentrate comprising a mannanase variant according to the invention.

Solvents

In one embodiment, the inventive enzyme preparation is aqueous, comprising water in amounts in the range of 5% to 95% by weight, in the range of 5% to 30% by weight, in the range of 5% to 25% by weight, in the range of 30% to 80% by weight, or in the range of 20% to 70% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation.

In one embodiment, the enzyme preparation of the invention comprises at least one organic solvent selected from ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, sec.-butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol, butane diol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, and phenoxyethanol, preferred are ethanol, isopropanol or propylene glycol. Further, the enzyme preparation of the invention may comprise at least one organic solvent selected from compounds such as 2-butoxyethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and d-limonene.

In a preferred embodiment, enzyme preparations of the invention comprise at least one water miscible organic solvent. Water miscibility in this context means the property of the organic solvent to mix in all proportions in water, forming a homogeneous solution. Preferably, at least one water miscible solvent is selected from ethanol, isopropanol or 1,2-propylene glycol.

In one embodiment, enzyme preparations of the invention comprise

-   -   (a) amounts of water in the range of about 20% to 50% and     -   (b) at least one organic solvent in amounts in the range of 30%         to 60% by weight, or in amounts in the range of 45% to 55% by         weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme         preparation.

In one embodiment, enzyme preparations of the invention comprise organic solvents in amounts in the range of 0% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparetion. Preferably, enzyme preparations of the invention comprise amounts of water in the range of about 30% to 80% by weight and at least one organic solvent in amounts of less than 10% by weight, less than 5% by weight, or less than 1% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation.

In one embodiment, the enzyme preparation comprises water in amounts in the range of 5% to 15% by weight and no significant amounts of organic solvent, for example 1% by weight or less, all relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation.

Enzyme Stabilizer

Stabilization of an enzyme relates to stability in the course of time (e.g. storage stability), thermal stability, pH stability, and chemical stability. The term “enzyme stability” herein preferably relates to the retention of enzymatic activity as a function of time e.g. during storage or operation. Enzyme stabilizers stabilize an enzyme in liquid, preferably aqueous environment, meaning that it reduced or avoids loss of enzymatic activity in the course of time.

In one embodiment, at least one enzyme, preferably at least one mannanase variant according to the invention, is stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions within the enzyme preparation. In one embodiment, at least one enzyme stabilizer is selected from polyols or water-soluble salts.

Polyols may be selected from polyols containing from 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups. Suitable examples include glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, 1,2-butane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,2-pentandiol, 1,6-hexane diol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythriol, glucose, fructose, and lactose.

Water-soluble salts may be selected from salts like NaCl or KCl, and alkali salts of lactic acid and formic acid.

In an embodiment of the invention, water-soluble salts may be selected from water-soluble sources of zinc (II), calcium (II) and/or magnesium (II) ions in the finished compositions that provide such ions to the enzymes, as well as other metal ions (e.g. barium (II), scandium (II), iron (II), manganese (II), aluminum (III), Tin (II), cobalt (II), copper (II), Nickel (II), and oxovanadium (IV)). Preferably, the water-soluble salt is selected from CaCl₂ and MgCl₂.

The enzyme preparation may comprise one or more other enzyme(s) than a mannanase variant according to the invention, which are selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, xylanases, mannanases different from the mannanase variants according to the invention, cutinases, esterases, phytases, DNAses, pectinases, pectate lyases, pectinolytic enzymes, carbohydrases, arabinases, galactanases, xanthanases, xyloglucanases, laccases, peroxidases and oxidases.

In one embodiment, the enzyme preparation further comprises a protease, preferably a serine protease (EC 3.4.21), more preferably a subtilisin EC 3.4.21.62; and/or a lipase, preferable a triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), more preferably a Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase. Preferably said enzyme preparations comprise at least one enzyme stabilizer selected from boron-containing compounds, polyols, peptide aldehydes, other stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

Boron-containing compounds may be selected from boric acid or its derivatives and from boronic acid or its derivatives such as aryl boronic acids or its derivatives, from salts thereof, and from mixtures thereof. Boric acid herein may be called orthoboric acid.

In one embodiment, a boron-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of aryl boronic acids and its derivatives. In one embodiment, a boron-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of benzene boronic acid (BBA) which is also called phenyl boronic acid (PBA), derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment a phenyl-boronic acid derivatives is selected from the group consisting of 4-formyl phenyl boronic acid (4-FPBA), 4-carboxy phenyl boronic acid (4-CPBA), 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl boronic acid (4-HMPBA), and p-tolylboronic acid (p-TBA).

In one embodiment, the enzyme preparations, preferably those additionally comprising a subtilisin protease, comprise about 0.1-2% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation of at least one boron-containing compound. Preferably, the enzyme preparation comprises about 0.15-1%, or 0.2-0.5%, or about 0.3% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation of at least one boron-containing compound. More preferably, the enzyme preparation comprises about 0.3% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation of 4-FPBA.

In one embodiment, at least one enzyme stabilizer may be selected from a (tri)-peptide stabilizer. At least one peptide stabilizer may be selected from a compound of formula (D):

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and Z within formula (D) are defined as follows: R¹, R² and Ware each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁₋₈ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₁₋₈ alkoxy, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered cycloalkyl, and optionally substituted 6- to 10-membered aryl; or wherein each R¹, R² and R³ is independently selected as —(CH₂)₃— which is also attached to the nitrogen atom of —NH—C(H)— so that —N—C(H)R^(1, 2 or 3)— forms a 5-membered heterocyclic ring; R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁₋₈ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₁₋₈ alkoxy, optionally substituted C₁₋₄ acyl, optionally substituted C₁₋₈ alkyl phenyl (e.g. benzyl), and optionally substituted 6- to 10-membered aryl; or wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are joined to form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring; Z is selected from hydrogen, an N-terminal protection group, and one or more amino acid residues optionally comprising an N-terminal protection group.

In a preferred embodiment, the peptide stabilizer according to formula (D) is characterized in

-   -   R¹ is a group such that NH—CHR¹—CO is an L or D-amino acid         residue of Val, R² is a group such that NH—CHR²—CO is an L or         D-amino acid residue of Ala, and R³ is a group such that         NH—CHR³—CO is an L or D-amino acid residue of Leu;         and     -   the N-terminal protection group Z is selected from         benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), p-methoxybenzyl carbonyl (MOZ), benzyl         (Bn), benzoyl (Bz), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB), p-methoxyphenyl         (PMP), formyl, acetyl (Ac), methyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl,         methoxycarbonyl, fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), or         tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc); preferably, the N-terminal         protection group Z is benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz).

In one embodiment, the enzyme preparations, preferably those additionally comprising a subtilisin protease, comprises about 0.1-2% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation of at least one peptide stabilizer. Preferably, the enzyme preparation comprises about 0.15-1%, or 0.2-0.5%, or about 0.3% by weight relative to the total weight of the enzyme preparation of at least one peptide stabilizer.

Mannanase Application

In one aspect, the invention relates to a formulation preferably having a pH in the range of 5-12 comprising at least one mannanase variant according to the invention.

The invention in one aspect relates to the use of the mannanase variants according to the invention to be formulated into detergent formulations such as I&I and homecare formulations for laundry and hard surface cleaning, wherein at least one mannanase variant according to the invention and at least one detergent component are mixed in no specified order in one or more steps with one or more detergent components. In one embodiment, a mannanase variant according to the invention is comprised in a liquid enzyme preparation.

In one embodiment, the formulation has a pH in the range of 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5. In one embodiment, the formulation is a detergent formulation, preferably a liquid detergent formulation.

A detergent formulation according to the invention comprises at least one mannanase of the invention and one or more detergent component(s). The component(s) chosen depend on the desired washing or cleaning application and/or physical form of the detergent formulation.

The term “detergent component” is defined herein to mean any types of ingredient, which is suitable for detergent formulation, such as surfactants, building agents, polymers, bleaching systems. Any component(s) known in the art acknowledging their known characteristics are suitable detergent component(s) according to the invention. Detergent components in one embodiment means components which provide washing or cleaning performance, or which effectively aid the processing (maintain physical characteristics during processing, storage and use; e.g. rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, desiccants) when present in effective amounts.

Usually, a detergent formulation is a complex formulation of more than two detergent components.

Detergent components may have more than one function in the final application of a detergent formulation, therefore any detergent component mentioned in the context of a specific function herein, may also have another function in the final application of a detergent formulation. The function of a specific detergent component in the final application of a detergent formulation usually depends on its amount within the detergent formulation, i.e. the effective amount of a detergent component.

The term “effective amount” includes amounts of individual components to provide effective stain removal and effective cleaning conditions (e.g. pH, quantity of foaming), amounts of certain components to effectively provide optical benefits (e.g. optical brightening, dye transfer inhibition), and amounts of certain components to effectively aid the processing (maintain physical characteristics during processing, storage and use; e.g. rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, desiccants).

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation according to the invention is a formulation of more than two detergent components, wherein at least one component is effective in stain-removal, at least one component is effective in providing the optimal cleaning conditions, and at least one component is effective in maintaining the physical characteristics of the detergent.

Individual detergent components and usage in detergent formulation are known to those skilled in the art. Suitable detergent components comprise inter alia surfactants, builders, polymers, alkaline, bleaching systems, fluorescent whitening agents, suds suppressors and stabilizers, hydrotropes, and corrosion inhibitors. Further examples are described e.g. in “complete Technology Book on Detergents with Formulations (Detergent Cake, Dishwashing Detergents, Liquid & Paste Detergents, Enzyme Detergents, Cleaning Powder & Spray Dried Washing Powder)”, Engineers India Research Institute (EIRI), 6th edition (2015). Another reference book for those skilled in the art may be “Detergent Formulations Encyclopedia”, Solverchem Publications, 2016.

Detergent components vary in type and/or amount in a detergent formulation depending on the desired application such as laundering white textiles, colored textiles, and wool. The component(s) chosen further depend on physical form of a detergent formulation (liquid, solid, gel, provided in pouches or as a tablet, etc.). The component(s) chosen e.g. for laundering formulations further depend on regional conventions which themselves are related to aspects like washing temperatures used, mechanics of laundry machine (vertical vs. horizontal axis machines), water consumption per wash cycle etc. and geographical characteristics like average hardness of water.

For example: A low detergent concentration system includes laundering formulations where less than about 800 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water. A medium detergent concentration includes laundering formulations where between about 800 ppm and about 2,000 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water. A high detergent concentration includes laundering formulations where more than about 2,000 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water.

The numeric ranges recited for the individual detergent components provide amounts comprised in detergent formulations. Such ranges have to be understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

If not described otherwise, “% by weight” or “% w/w” is meant to be related to total detergent formulation. In this case “% by weight” or “% w/w” is calculated as follows: concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the formulation, multiplied by 100.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation according to the invention comprises one or more surfactant(s). “Surfactant” (synonymously used herein with “surface active agent”) means an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of that liquid at an inter-face. According to its ionic charge, a surfactant is called non-ionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric.

Non-limiting examples of surfactants are disclosed McCutcheon's 2016 Detergents and Emulsifiers, and McCutcheon's 2016 Functional Materials, both North American and International Edition, MC Publishing Co, 2016 edition. Further useful examples are disclosed in earlier editions of the same publications which are known to those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the detergent according to the invention comprises a total amount of anionic surfactant which in the range of 1% to 30% by weight, in the range of 3% to 25% by weight, in the range of 5% to 20% by weight, or in the range of 8% to 15% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises a total amount of anionic surfactant of about 11% by weight relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation according to the invention comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from compounds of general formula (I):

The variables in general formula (I) are defined as follows:

-   R¹ is selected from C₁-C₂₃-alkyl (such as 1-, 2-, 3-,     4-C₁-C₂₃-alkyl) and C₂-C₂₃-alkenyl, wherein alkyl and/or alkenyl are     linear or branched, and wherein 2-, 3-, or 4-alkyl; examples are     n-C₇H₁₅, n-C₉H₁₉, n-C₁₁H₂₃, n-C₁₃H₂₇, n-C₁₇H₃₅, i-C₉H₁₉, -   R² is selected from H, C₁-C₂₀-alkyl and C₂-C₂₀-alkenyl, wherein     alkyl and/or alkenyl are linear or branched. -   R³ and R⁴, each independently selected from C₁-C₁₆-alkyl, wherein     alkyl is linear or branched; examples are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,     isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl,     isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl,     n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl,     n-nonyl, n-decyl, isodecyl. -   A⁻ is selected from —RCOO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻ and RSO₃ ⁻, wherein R is selected     from linear or branched C₁-C₈-alkyl, and C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, wherein     alkyl is. Compounds might be called (fatty) alcohol/alkyl     (ethoxy/ether) sulfates [(F)A(E)S] when A⁻ is SO₃ ⁻, (fatty)     alcohol/alkyl (ethoxy/ether) carboxylate [(F)A(E)C] when A⁻ is     —RCOO⁻. -   M⁺ is selected from H and salt forming cations. Salt forming cations     may be monovalent or multivalent; hence M⁺ equals 1/v M^(v+).     Examples include but are not limited to sodium, potassium,     magnesium, calcium, ammonium, and the ammonium salt of mono-, di,     and triethanolamine.

The integers of the general formula (I) are defined as follows:

m is in the range of zero to 200, preferably 1-80, more preferably 3-20; n and o, each independently in the range of zero to 100; n preferably is in the range of 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 6; o preferably is in the range of 1 to 50, more preferably 4 to 25. The sum of m, n and o is at least one, preferably the sum of m, n and o is in the range of 5 to 100, more preferably in the range of from 9 to 50.

Anionic surfactants of the general formula (I) may be of any structure, block copolymers or random copolymers.

Further suitable anionic surfactants include salts (Mt) of C₁₂-C₁₈ sulfo fatty acid alkyl esters (such as C₁₂-C₁₈ sulfo fatty acid methyl esters), C₁₀-C₁₈-alkylarylsulfonic acids (such as n-C₁₀-C₁₈-alkylbenzene sulfonic acids) and C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylates.

M⁺ in all cases is selected from salt forming cations. Salt forming cations may be monovalent or multivalent; hence M⁺ equals 1/v M^(v+). Examples include but are not limited to sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium, and the ammonium salt of mono-, di, and triethanolamine.

The detergent formulation may comprise at least two anionic surfactants, selected from compounds of general formula (I), wherein one of said anionic surfactants is characterized in R′ being C₁₁, R² being H, m being 2, n and o=0, A⁻ being SO₃ ⁻, M⁺ being Na⁺ and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being C₁₃, R² being H, m being 2, n and o=0, A⁻ being SO₃ ⁻, M⁺ being Na⁺.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from compounds of general formula (II):

wherein R¹ in formula (II) is C₁₀-C₁₃ alkyl.

The detergent formulation may comprise at least two anionic surfactants, selected from compounds of general formula (II), wherein one of said anionic surfactants is characterized in R¹ being C₁₀, and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being C₁₃. Compounds like this may be called LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulfonates) herein.

The detergent formulation of the invention may comprise a total amount of non-ionic surfactants in the range of about 1% to about 15% by weight, in the range of about 3% to about 12% by weight, or in the range of about 4% to about 8% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises a total amount of non-ionic surfactants of about 5.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation according to the invention comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant according to general formula (III):

The variables of the general formula (III) are defined as follows:

-   R¹ is selected from C₁-C₂₃ alkyl and C₂-C₂₃ alkenyl, wherein alkyl     and/or alkenyl are linear or branched; examples are n-C₇H₁₅,     n-C₉H₁₉, n-C₁₁H₂₃, n-C₁₃H₂₇, n-C₁₅H₃₁, n-C₁₇H₃₅, i-C₉H₁₉, i-C₁₂H₂₅. -   R² is selected from H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl and C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, wherein     alkyl and/or alkenyl are linear or branched. -   R³ and R⁴, each independently selected from C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, wherein     alkyl is linear or branched;

examples are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, isodecyl.

-   R⁵ is selected from H and C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, wherein alkyl is linear or     branched.

The integers of the general formula (III) are defined as follows:

m is in the range of zero to 200, preferably 1-80, more preferably 3-20; n and o, each independently in the range of zero to 100; n preferably is in the range of 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 6; o preferably is in the range of 1 to 50, more preferably 4 to 25. The sum of m, n and o is at least one, preferably the sum of m, n and o is in the range of 5 to 100, more preferably in the range of from 9 to 50.

The non-ionic surfactants of the general formula (III) may be of any structure, is it block or random structure, and is not limited to the displayed sequence of formula (III).

Compounds according to formula (III) may be called alkyl polyethyleneglycol ether (AEO) herein.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant selected from general formula (III), wherein m is in the range of 3 to 11, preferably not more than 7; n and o is 0, R¹ is C₁₂-C₁₄, R⁵ is H. The detergent formulation may comprise at least two non-ionic surfactants, selected from compounds of general formula (III), wherein one of said non-ionic surfactants is characterized in R¹ being C₁₂, R⁵ being H, m is 7, n and o=0, and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being C₁₄, R⁵ being H, m being 7, n and o=0.

The detergent formulation according to the invention may comprise one or more compounds selected from complexing agents (chelating agents, sequestrating agents), precipitating agents, and ion exchange compounds which may form water-soluble complexes with calcium and magnesium. Such compounds may be called “builders” or “building agents” herein, without meaning to limit such compounds to this function in the final application of a detergent formulation. In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises at least one builder selected from non-phosphate based builders such as sodium gluconate, citrate(s), silicate(s), carbonate(s), phosphonate(s), amino carboxylate(s), polycarboxylate(s), polysulfonate(s), and polyphosphonate(s).

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises at least one “citrate” selected from the mono- and the dialkali metal salts and in particular the mono- and preferably the trisodium salt of citric acid, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts of citric acid as well as citric acid as such. Citrate can be used as the anhydrous compound or as the hydrate, for example as sodium citrate dihydrate. The citrate may be comprised in a total amount in the range of 0% to about 20% by weight, in the range of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, or in the range of 1-5% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises a total amount of citrate in the range of about 1-3% relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

The detergent formulation of the invention may comprise one or more hydrotropes. One or more hydrotropes may be selected from organic solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and further organic solvents known in the art that are water-miscible under normal conditions without limitation. In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises 1,2-propylene glycol in a total amount in the range of 5-10% by weight, preferably of about 6% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention does not comprise any further enzyme besides a mannanase according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention comprises at least one further enzyme besides a mannanase variant according to the invention, selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases and any other enzymes known in the art to be useful in detergent formulations.

The detergent formulation may comprise one or more other enzyme(s) than a mannanase variant according to the invention, which are selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, xylanases, mannanases different from the mannanase variants according to the invention, cutinases, esterases, phytases, DNAses, pectinases, pectate lyases, pectinolytic enzymes, carbohydrases, arabinases, galactanases, xanthanases, xyloglucanases, laccases, peroxidases and oxidases.

The detergent formulation may comprise water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions. In one embodiment, at the detergent formulation comprises at least one enzyme stabilizer selected from polyols and water-soluble salts.

Polyols may be selected from polyols containing from 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups. Suitable examples include glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, 1,2-butane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,2-pentandiol, 1,6-hexane diol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythriol, glucose, fructose, and lactose.

Water-soluble salts may be selected from salts like NaCl or KCl, and alkali salts of lactic acid and formic acid.

In an embodiment of the invention, water-soluble salts may be selected from water-soluble sources of zinc (II), calcium (II) and/or magnesium (II) ions in the finished compositions that provide such ions to the enzymes, as well as other metal ions (e.g. barium (II), scandium (II), iron (II), manganese (II), aluminum (III), Tin (II), cobalt (II), copper (II), Nickel (II), and oxovanadium (IV)). Preferably, the water-soluble salt is selected from CaCl₂ and MgCl₂.

The detergent formulation may comprise at least one enzyme stabilizer selected from boron containing compounds and peptide stabilizers as disclosed above.

The mannanase variants according to the invention preferably exert mannan degrading activity at a temperature selected from 560° C., 540° C., and 525° C. Preferably, the temperature is washing or cleaning temperature. Mannan degrading activity in the context of washing or cleaning herein relates to its ability to remove mannan-containing stains.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation of the invention is a laundering detergent.

The term “laundering” relates to both household laundering and industrial laundering and means the process of treating textiles with a solution comprising a detergent formulation of the present invention. The laundering process may be carried out by using technical devices such as a household or an industrial washing machine. A washing machine is also called laundry machine herein. Alternatively, the laundering process may be done by hand.

The term “textile” means any textile material including yarns (thread made of natural or synthetic fibers used for knitting or weaving), yarn intermediates, fibers, non-woven materials, natural materials, synthetic materials, as well as fabrics (a textile made by weaving, knitting or felting fibers) made of these materials such as garments (any article of clothing made of textile), cloths and other articles.

The term “fibers” includes natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixtures thereof. Examples of natural fibers are of plant (such as flax, jute and cotton) or animal origin, comprising proteins like collagen, keratin and fibroin (e.g. silk, sheep wool, angora, mohair, cashmere). Examples for fibers of synthetic origin are polyurethane fibers such as Spandex® or Lycra®, polyester fibers, polyolefins such as elastofin, or polyamide fibers such as nylon. Fibers may be single fibers or parts of textiles such as knitwear, wovens, or nonwovens.

The invention relates to a method to provide a liquid mannanase-comprising formulation, preferably a liquid detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid laundering detergent formulation, comprising the steps of mixing in one or more steps

-   (a) at least one mannanase variant according to the invention,     preferably wherein a mannanase of the invention is provided within     an enzyme preparation of the invention     and -   (b) at least one detergent component selected from surfactants,     builders, and hydrotropes present in amounts effective in cleaning     and/or effective in maintaining the physical characteristics of the     detergent.

In one embodiment, the formulation has a pH in the range of 5-12 or 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5. In one embodiment, the formulation is a detergent formulation, preferably a liquid detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid laundering detergent formulation.

The laundering detergent formulation of the invention exerts wash performance under relevant wash conditions. The term “relevant wash/cleaning conditions” herein refers to the conditions, particularly temperature, time, cleaning mechanics, suds concentration, type of detergent and water hardness, actually used in laundry machines, or in manual washing processes. In one embodiment, wash performance herein is related towards removal of mannan-comprising stains; preferably mannan-comprising stains are selected from those comprising galactomannans and glucomannans. In one embodiment, wash performance relates to removal of stains comprising locust bean gum and/or guar gum.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing mannan comprising stains by the steps of contacting at least one mannan comprising stain with a mannanase of the invention. The mannanase has mannan degrading activity at a pH in the range of 5-12 or 6-11, more preferably a pH in the range of 6-10 or 7-9 or 7-12 or 8-12 or 8-10, and most preferably at a pH in the range of 7.5-8.5. At said pH the mannanase shows wash performance on mannan comprising stains. Preferably, the method is a method of removing mannan comprising stains at temperatures 60° C., preferably in the range of about 5-60° C., preferably in the range of about 5-40° C., more preferably in the range of about 10-40° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of removing mannan comprising stains at temperatures 560° C., preferably in the range of about 5-60° C., preferably in the range of about 5-40° C., more preferably in the range of about 10-40° C., by the steps of

-   (a) providing a liquid formulation comprising at least one mannanase     according to the invention, -   (b) contacting a mannan-comprising stain with the liquid formulation     of (a) -   (c) let the enzyme exert its catalytic activity on the stain for a     time in the range of about 10-90 minutes, preferably 20-80 minutes,     more preferably 30-70 minutes, or even more preferably 40-60     minutes.

In one embodiment, the method of removing mannan comprising stains is characterized in being a method of washing which is preferably done under mechanical agitation in a laundry machine. The liquid formulation preferably is a liquid detergent formulation.

The invention relates to the use of at least one mannanase variant according to the invention, to increase washing or cleaning performance of a detergent formulation towards mannan-comprising stains, preferably stains comprising locust bean and/or guar gum.

In one embodiment, the detergent formulation has a pH in the range of 5-12 or 6-11, more preferably in a range selected from 6-10, 7-12, 7-9, 8-12, 8-10 and 7.5-8.5. In one embodiment, the formulation is a liquid detergent formulation, preferably a liquid laundering detergent formulation.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a formulation preferably having a pH in the range of 5-12 comprising at least one mannanase according to the invention, wherein the formulation has increased washing or cleaning performance towards mannan-comprising stains, preferably stains comprising locust bean gum and/or guar gum. Increased washing or cleaning performance towards mannan-comprising stains means increased washing or cleaning performance when compared to a formulation lacking the mannanase of the invention or lacking any mannanase. Washing or cleaning performance preferably relates to the removal of mannan-comprising stains, preferably stains comprising locust bean and/or guar gum.

In one embodiment, the washing or cleaning performance is increased at washing or cleaning temperatures 60° C., preferably in the range of about 5-60° C., preferably in the range of about 5-40° C., more preferably in the range of about 10-40° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of washing or cleaning, comprising the steps of

-   (a) providing at least one mannan-comprising stain; -   (b) providing a detergent formulation according to the invention -   (c) contacting the mannan-comprising stain with the detergent of     (b), preferably at a washing temperature in the range of about     10-40° C.

In one embodiment, the textile in step (a) a textile comprising mannan-comprising stains is provided.

In one embodiment, step (c) is performed under mechanical agitation in a washing machine.

In one embodiment, at least one mannanase of the invention comprised in the detergent according to the invention removes the mannan-comprising stains from the textile (a) by (c) contacting the mannan-comprising stain with a detergent of (b).

Further Embodiments of the Invention

-   1. A mannanase variant at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ     ID NO 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, comprising at least one amino acid     substitution selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A,     K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E,     S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N,     H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L,     G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y,     A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q,     N341F, Y344Q/F/T, F346T, T348S/R/N/M/G, E349T/S/D/G, S352N/G,     G356Y/V/T/Q/H/C, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, D379V, L416W and     W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID     NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity. -   2. A polynucleotide encoding the mannanase of embodiment 1, wherein     the polynucleotide is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. -   3. An expression construct comprising the polynucleotide according     to embodiment 2. -   4. A host cell comprising the polynucleotide according to claim 2 or     the expression construct according to embodiment 3. -   5. A method of expressing a mannanase variant according to     embodiment 1, comprising the steps of     -   (a) providing a host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid         construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase         variant according to the invention by introducing the nucleic         acid construct comprising the polynucleotide encoding the         mannanase variant according to the invention into the host cell;     -   (b) cultivating the recombinant host cell of step (a) under         conditions conductive for the expression of the polynucleotide;         and     -   (c) optionally, recovering a protein of interest encoded by the         polynucleotide. -   6. A liquid enzyme preparation comprising a mannanase according to     embodiment 1, at least one compound stabilizing the liquid enzyme     preparation as such like a preservative, at least one solvent like     glycerol, and optionally at least one enzyme stabilizer. -   7 Method to increase in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least     75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, by the step of     introducing at least one amino acid substitution at an the amino     acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A,     K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E,     S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N,     H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L,     G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, T309L, N312F/Y,     A314P, L317T, A319D/E, D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q,     Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and     W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID     NO: 2. -   8. A formulation, preferably a liquid formulation, according to     embodiment 1, wherein the formulation preferably has a pH in the     range of 5-12. -   9. A method to provide a detergent formulation, comprising the steps     of mixing in one or more steps     -   (a) at least one mannanase according to embodiment 1, optionally         wherein the mannanase is provided within an enzyme preparation         according to claim 6     -   and     -   (b) at least one component selected from surfactants, builders,         and hydrotropes; all in amounts effective in cleaning         performance or effective in maintaining the physical         characteristics of the detergent. -   10. A method of washing or cleaning, comprising the steps of     -   (a) providing at least one mannan-comprising stain;     -   (b) providing a formulation according to embodiment 8     -   (c) contacting the mannan-comprising stain (a) with the         formulation of (b), preferably at a washing or cleaning         temperature in the range of 5-60° C. -   11. The method according to embodiment 10, wherein the     mannan-comprising stain is provided on a textile (a); and wherein     the polypeptide comprised in the detergent (b) removes the     mannan-comprising stain from the textile (a). -   12. Use of at least one mannanase according to embodiment 1, to     increase wash performance of a detergent formulation towards     mannan-comprising stains, preferably at washing or cleaning     temperatures in the range of 5-60° C. -   13. The use according to embodiment 12, wherein at least one     mannan-comprising stain comprises locust-bean and/or guar gum.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Expression and Purification of Mannanase Variants

The genes were synthesized and cloned into Bacillus expression vector by GenScript (New Jersey, USA). The constructs were received from GenScript as sequence-confirmed plasmid DNA and transformed into Bacillus subtilis. 5 μL of plasmid DNA, 20-200 ng/μL was added to 500 μL freshly prepared Bacillus subtilis competent cells and incubated at 37° C. for 3.5 hours. Cells were subsequently plated onto LB+50 ug/mL Kanamycin agar plates and grown overnight at 37° C. To confirm the mannanase expression in Bacillus subtilis, the resulting colonies were screened via colony PCR and sequencing. Prior to PCR, each colony was lysed in buffer containing 20 mM DTT and 0.5 mg/mL Proteinase K at 55° C. for 5 minutes followed by 95° C. for 6 minutes. 20 μL PCR reactions using 1 μL of lysed cells and TaKara Ex Taq (TaKaRa Cat #RR001) polymerase were performed as follows: initial denaturation for 3 minutes at 98° C., 30 cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension for 10 seconds at 95° C., 30 seconds at 55° C., and 2.5 minutes at 72° C., respectively. A final extension for 5 minutes at 72° C. completed the PCR reactions. Expression of the mannanase was done for example in microtiter plate format. Fermentations were carried out at 30° C. and under 1000 rpm of agitation for approximately 48 hours. The final fermentation broth was centrifuged at 2500×g for 15 mins at 4° C. to obtain the cell-free supernatant. Protein quantification was estimated using an automated capillary gel electrophoresis device; LabChip® GX II with an HT Protein Express LabChip® and an HT Protein Express Reagent Kit (PerkinElmer, USA). Determination of protein purity and quantitation was carried out using the Regular Sensitivity HT Protein Express 200 assay and analysis performed using the LabChip®GX Reviewer 5.3 software. Molecular weight determinations were performed either via the LabChip software, which uses bracketing ladders of protein standards (as part of the HT Protein Express Reagent Kit) to assign MW of the peaks and quantitation, or by using known protein standards and the “Titer” function within the instrument analysis software, or by using the LabChip derived peak area of a set of protein standards with known concentrations, to generate a standard curve and resulting quantitation for protein of interest.

Example 2: Expression of Mannanases Expression

Expression of the mannanase was completed in 384-well deep well plate. Fermentations were carried out at 37° C. and under 1000 rpm of agitation for approximately 48 hours. The final fermentation broth was centrifuged at 2500×g for 15 mins at 4° C. to obtain the cell-free supernatant.

Protein quantification was estimated using an automated capillary gel electrophoresis device; LabChip® GX II with an HT ProteinExpress LabChip® and an HT Protein Express Reagent Kit (PerkinElmer, USA). Determination of protein purity and quantitation was carried out using the Regular Sensitivity HT Protein Express 200 assay and analysis performed using the Lab-Chip® GX Reviewer 5.3 software. Molecular weight determinations were performed either via the LabChip software, which uses bracketing ladders of protein standards (as part of the HT Protein Express Reagent Kit) to assign MW of the peaks and quantitation, or by using known protein standards and the “Titer” function within the instrument analysis software, or by using the LabChip derived peak area of a set of protein standards with known concentrations, to generate a standard curve and resulting quantitation for protein of interest.

Degradation stability of mannanase variants was determined by calculating the quantity of full length enzyme as well as the percent of full length mannanase (quantity of full length divided by the summed total of the full length mannanase and observed degradation product(s) multiplied by 100).

TABLE Ex2 degradation-stability during fermentation of mannanase variants with single point amino acid substitutions as indicated in the table when compared to the parent enzyme Quantity of full % of full parent substitution length length parent — 1 1 N341 F 1.67 3.62 R 1.55 2.65 N 2.31 7.17 M 1.57 3.17 G 2.78 6.39 E349 T 1.63 2.25 S 1.92 3.89 G 2.52 5.24 E349 D 1.79 3.78 S352 N 1.49 2.09 F346 T 1.97 3.32 T348 S 1.52 2.57 G 2.76 5.76 G356 Y 1.59 2.79 V 1.46 1.65 T 1.66 2.89 Q 1.41 1.51 H 1.80 2.23 C 1.52 2.72 D379 V 3.65 6.12

Example 3: Mannanase Activity after Storage

Shelf life stability was determined in ES1 formulation adjusted to pH 8 for 6 days at 37° C.

ES1 Detergent Formulation:

component type A Conc [%] Lutensit A-LBS¹ LAS 5.5 Edenor coco fatty acid C₁₂-C₁₈ coco fatty acid 2.4 Lutensol AO7² AEO 5.5 Texapon N70³ FAEO 5.5 1,2 propylene glycol 6.0 ethanol 2.0 KOH 2.2 Enzyme As per example Water Fill to 100% ¹two anionic surfactants, selected from compounds according to general formula (II), wherein one of said anionic surfactants is characterized in R¹ being C₁₀, and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being C₁₃. ²compound of general formula (III), wherein one of said non-ionic surfactants is characterized in R¹ being n-C₁₂H₂₅, R² and R⁵ being H, m being 3-30, preferably 7, n and o = 0, and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being n-C₁₄H₂₉, R² and R⁵ being H, m being 3-30, preferably 7, n and o = 0. ³two anionic surfactants selected from compounds of general formula (I), and wherein one of said anionic surfactants is characterized in R¹ being C₁₁, R² being H, m being 2, n and o = 0, A⁻ being SO₃ ⁻, M⁺ being Na⁺, and the other surfactant is characterized in R¹ being C₁₃, R² being H, m being 2, n and o = 0, A⁻ being SO₃ ⁻, M⁺ being Na⁺.

900 μl of buffer/detergent formulation were supplemented with 15.2 mg/mL mannanase enzyme. The probes were stored at 37° C. for 6 days. 50 μl of a sample were taken from the original probe at a certain point in time and diluted in 800 μl HEPES buffer. The sample was incubated for 5 min at 37° C. 200 μl of this sample were mixed with 200 μl of substrate (1% Azo Carob Galactomannan) and further incubated for 60 min. 200 μl of the reaction mix were then added to 350 μl 95% ethanol on ice and incubated for 10 min. Afterwards, the reaction mix was centrifuged at 4000×g for 10 min. The absorption of 250 μl of the resulting supernatant was determined at 590 nm. Mannanase activity measured after storage at points in time as indicated in the tables below are provided in improvement factors relative to the parent enzyme which is set 1.0.

TABLE Ex3 mannanase variants with single point amino acid substitutions as indicated in the table having improved stability in formulation containing surfactants when compared to the parent enzyme Improvement parent substitution factor parent — 1 D86 N 1.60 Q89 V 2.11 L 1.43 N96 D 2.61 L101 V 2.37 T 1.23 S103 Y 1.60 E 1.31 A 1.07 K107 N 1.11 N108 G 1.37 N109 Q 1.32 A 1.06 A112 N 2.41 A119 Y 2.42 H 1.74 T 1.57 N122 S 1.43 A124 D 2.43 E 1.52 C 1.13 S126 E 1.64 S127 A 2.42 N129 M 2.87 L 2.48 F 1.99 S231 Q 1.57 K 1.47 L 1.42 P 1.35 Y 1.26 I233 V 1.37 S235 Y 1.90 H 1.78 R 1.64 L 1.32 Q 1.22 N 1.09 D244 N 1.76 I 1.08 V 1.04 H254 W 2.17 K255 Y 1.33 H 1.13 R 1.05 E264 Q 1.42 V 1.36 S270 T 1.18 Q272 I 1.09 K273 T 1.30 N274 Q 1.14 E 1.07 C 1.06 S281 L 3.74 G286 E 3.09 L 3.04 Q 2.60 A 2.39 W289 F 2.89 M 2.51 H 2.39 S290 A 1.47 N296 H 1.73 Y 1.42 F 1.29 D301 T 1.70 E 1.60 C 1.57 T309 L 1.44 N312 Y 1.99 F 1.73 A314 P 1.12 S 1.11 L317 T 1.23 A319 E 1.99 D 1.33 D328 I 1.79 Q 1.30 V 1.25 G329 T 1.58 L 1.26 S 1.23 V 1.12 G330 P 1.38 D 1.28 T 1.27 D331 A 1.21 Q 1.19 Y344 Q 1.36 F 1.33 T 1.10 M359 R 1.39 Y 1.34 C 1.25 Q 1.14 Y374 G 1.68 V 1.39 A 1.37 R 1.28 N 1.23 P 1.09 L416 W 1.21 W432 P 2.19 N 1.74 L 1.45 R 1.40 S 1.32 T 1.29 G 1.21 H 1.21 I 1.15 

1. A mannanase variant at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, comprising at least one amino acid substitution selected from D86N, Q89V/L, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, I309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T, A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the polypeptide has mannan-degrading activity.
 2. The mannanase variant according to claim 1, wherein the variant has a polypeptide sequence which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO 3 comprising at least one amino acid substitution selected from D328I/Q/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/Q, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W, and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I.
 3. A polynucleotide encoding the mannanase according to claim
 1. 4. An expression construct comprising the polynucleotide according to claim
 3. 5. A host cell comprising the polynucleotide according to claim
 3. 6. A method of expressing a mannanase variant according to claim 1, comprising the steps of (a) providing a host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase variant according to the invention by introducing the nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide encoding the mannanase variant according to the invention into the host cell; (b) cultivating the recombinant host cell of step (a) under conditions conductive for the expression of the polynucleotide; and (c) optionally, recovering a protein of interest encoded by the polynucleotide.
 7. A liquid enzyme preparation comprising a mannanase according to claim 1, at least one compound stabilizing the liquid enzyme preparation as such like a preservative, at least one solvent like glycerol, and optionally at least one enzyme stabilizer.
 8. Method to increase in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, by the step of introducing at least one amino acid substitution at an the amino acid position selected from D86N, Q89V, N96D, L101T/V, S103Y/E/A, K107N, N108G, N109Q/A, A112N, A119Y/H/T, N122S, A124E/C/D, S126E, S127A, N129M/L/F, S231Q/K/L/P/Y, I233V, S235H/R/L/Q/N/Y, D244I/V/N, H254W, K255Y/H/R, E264Q/V, S270T, Q272I, K273T, N274E/C/Q, S281L, G286E/L/Q/A, W289F/M/H, S290A, N296H/F/Y, D301E/C/T, I309L, N312F/Y, A314P, L317T and A319D/E, wherein the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 9. Method according to claim 8, wherein in the in-surfactant-stability of a mannanase which is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3 is increased by introducing at least one amino acid substitution at an the amino acid position selected from D328I/O/V, G329L/S/V/T, G330P/D/T, D331A/Q, Y344Q/F/T, M359R/Y/C/O, Y374G/V/A/R/N/P, L416W and W432P/N/L/R/S/T/G/H/I.
 10. A liquid formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation preferably has a pH in the range of 5-12.
 11. A method to provide a detergent formulation, comprising the steps of mixing in one or more steps (a) at least one mannanase according to claim 1, optionally wherein the mannanase is provided within an enzyme preparation according to claim 6 and (b) at least one component selected from surfactants, builders, and hydrotropes; all in amounts effective in cleaning performance or effective in maintaining the physical characteristics of the detergent.
 12. A method of washing or cleaning, comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one mannan-comprising stain; (b) providing a formulation according to claim 10 (c) contacting the mannan-comprising stain (a) with the formulation of (b).
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the mannan-comprising stain is provided on a textile (a); and wherein the polypeptide comprised in the detergent (b) removes the mannan-comprising stain from the textile (a).
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein, in step (c), the mannan-comprising stain is contacted with the formulation at washing or cleaning temperatures in the range of 5-60° C.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one mannan-comprising stain comprises locust-bean and/or guar gum.
 16. The polynucleotide of claim 3, wherein the polynucleotide is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:
 1. 